WSL Talking Points: London City Display Potential and Liverpool Promise to Fight On

London City Demonstrate Progress Despite Loss

If the London City coach required an example of how far his team have come in recent weeks, Saturday's match against Chelsea offered exactly that. It ended in a two-goal loss to Chelsea, but his side impressed at their opponent's ground and raised multiple challenges for the title holders. London City controlled 43% of possession – perhaps above expectations – and registered the same number of shots on target (three), with a key attacker providing a particular threat with her forward runs. “When we compare to September when we played other leading teams, it was really good,” the coach said. “What I like is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that protected and attacked as one. We still need to improve.”

Liverpool FC Vow to Persevere

Liverpool’s head coach, Gareth Taylor, issued a motivational message to his side as the wait for their initial victory continues. After another defeat, on this occasion 2-1 at the hands of Spurs, he stated: “We must fight our way out. The message is clear. We’re working so hard to turn this into a improved position but it takes a bit of time and a bit of support. Sadly, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we will keep fighting.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at the venue – with similar possession, chances created and scoring chances – but after securing an early lead, the away side performed without any real bite as Tottenham executed a recovery. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's tendency to fade in games, certainly the priority for Taylor to address if he is to turn their fortunes around.

Kirby and Kiko Seike Plug Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion demonstrated they can cope without their on-loan striker Michelle Agyemang, despite suffering a defeat to Manchester United. Agyemang was ruled out for the season last week after sustaining a serious knee injury while representing for England. There was apprehension about how Brighton would cope, but the experienced forward and Kiko Seike showed they are fully equipped of making up the goals by scoring in the 3-2 defeat. “The team reacted positively to start,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, said. “The players got better as the match progressed, we got our pressure more effectively. Increasingly optimistic, again. We might have added a couple more goals in the second half. Against a strong defensive unit, to have all the opportunities we did today was encouraging, but we need to be much better.”

Rehanne Skinner Takes Encouragement After Loss at City

West Ham's coach found optimism from her team's performance against the Sky Blues, even with a 1-0 defeat. Although the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have yet to earn a result, they adopted a positive approach and did not shy away from attacking their opponents. A lack of ruthlessness proved to be West Ham’s undoing at the City's home ground but it is only a question of time before they achieve a positive result. “It's frustrating we’ve failed to gain anything from the game, and considering all the minutes the players have had over the recent break the mindset and determination from the players [was great], and the fortitude as well,” Skinner said. “We’ve got to change our fortunes.”

The Toffees Avoid Self-Sabotage with Kelly Gago Brace

A 94th-minute equaliser by the French forward saved the team's blushes as they split the result in a high-scoring encounter at Aston Villa. The French forward notched the first goal with her first goal of the season after a impressive Toffees beginning. Villa equalised just before the break. The remaining period was end-to-end, as each side took advantage of the opponent's porous defence. An unfortunate deflection by the defender swung the pendulum the home side's favor, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer arrived for the Merseyside club's rescue after the manager's side had failed to capitalise on several chances. The team's streak without a WSL win now extends to six matches.

Duo’s Magic Helps Arsenal Find Spark

The North London side recorded their third straight victory in all competitions as the Swedish striker netted a brace and Alessia Russo added one more in a 4-1 thumping of Leicester. It was a second start of the campaign for the attacker, who set up her strike partner to give the Gunners ahead, then, after a Sari Kees inadvertent strike, broke her goal-scoring slump with a double of her personal tally. Arsenal have appeared not quite championship challengers but a dominant opening period by Russo and her teammate caused havoc and unleashed the slick and audacious Arsenal that most people anticipate considering the squad's quality. “There were fresh combinations in the lineup in this match as well, so that requires time to gel,” commented head coach, the boss, “but I think it did exceptionally, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.”

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