WSL Key Highlights: London City Show Promise and Liverpool Vow to Fight On

London City Demonstrate Progress Despite Defeat

Should the London City coach required an example of how far the team have advanced in recent weeks, the weekend's encounter against the champions offered just that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to the champions, but London City impressed at Stamford Bridge and raised several questions for the title holders. London City commanded 43% of possession – possibly more than expected – and registered the same number of shots on target (three), with a key attacker providing a significant danger running in behind. “Compared to September when we played other leading teams, it was really good,” the coach said. “The encouraging aspect is that we start to see a cohesive unit – this was the primary objective. We saw a team that defended and attacked together. We must continue to improve.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

The Reds' head coach, the team's boss, issued a rallying call to the squad as the search for their first points persists. After another defeat, on this occasion 2-1 at the expense of Tottenham, he said: “We must battle through it. Our focus is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to turn this into a better situation but it takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, at the moment, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with similar possession, chances created and opportunities – but after securing an early lead, the visitors performed lacking intensity as Spurs executed a recovery. It was a further concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fade in games, certainly the priority for Taylor to address if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Seike Plug Agyemang Void

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, despite losing to the Red Devils. The forward was ruled out for the campaign recently after sustaining a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while playing for England. Existed apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and the Japanese international showed they are more than capable of making up the scoring output by finding the net in the narrow loss. “We responded positively to start,” Brighton’s head coach, the boss, remarked. “The players got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure better. More positive, once more. We could have scored a few additional goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to create the chances we did in the match was good, but we must become much better.”

Skinner Finds Positives Following Defeat at City

West Ham's coach could take positives from her team's performance against Manchester City, despite a 1-0 defeat. Although her team, at the foot on goal differential, have yet to earn a point, they took a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking City. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be the team's downfall at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they get a positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain something out of it, and considering all the minutes the players have had over the international break the attitude and determination from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We must change our fortunes.”

Everton Escape Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Double

A stoppage-time equaliser by Kelly Gago saved Everton’s blushes as they shared the result in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker notched the first goal with her maiden strike of the season after a strong Everton start. Villa drew level just before half-time. The remaining period was end-to-end, as both teams took advantage of the other’s porous defence. An unlucky own goal by the defender tilted the momentum Villa’s way, putting them in the lead, but the scorer arrived for Everton’s rescue after Brian Sørenson’s side had missed opportunities on multiple openings. The team's run absent a league victory now stands at six matches.

Duo’s Magic Aids The Gunners Rediscover Form

Arsenal recorded their third consecutive win in all competitions as the Swedish striker netted a brace and the England forward added one more in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a second start of the season for the attacker, who assisted her strike partner to give Arsenal ahead, then, after a Sari Kees own goal, ended her five-game drought with two goals of her personal tally. The team have appeared far from title contenders but a first-half rampage by Russo and Blackstenius created chaos and revealed the slick and audacious style that most people expect given the team’s quality. “There were fresh combinations in the lineup today as well, so that needs to click,” said head coach, Renée Slegers, “but in my view it performed really well, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

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