Liverpool Women moved out of the relegation zone after overcoming Bristol City 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.
A first half goal from Rachel Furness gave the Reds their first league win of the season and elevated them off the bottom of the table, moving ahead of the Robins on goal difference.
Here’s what we learned from this all important result.
Reds need goals, but defensive stability remains key
Liverpool are yet to lose a game by a significant margin this season. Even when they faced the league’s top sides, they were only beaten by one or two goals.
Their problems have occurred further up the field, with three goals to their name in 11 games.
Furness’ first half strike rounded off a spell of early pressure. Rinsola Babajide nearly put the Reds ahead in the opening few minutes, denied by Sophie Baggaley pushing her effort off the post.
But it was Liverpool’s performance defensively that decided this fixture.
Of course, City had their chances, not least with a second half penalty. Outstanding goalkeeping, well-timed challenges and control from the back ensured Vicky Jepson’s side kept their first clean sheet of the campaign.
Relegation battle remains wide open
Bristol City had the opportunity to move six points clear of Liverpool should they have beaten them at the weekend and it could’ve been a nail in the coffin for the Merseyside club.
A Liverpool triumph, though, keeps the fight for survival wide open with four teams in the conversation.
The Reds have overcome a massive hurdle, but they must start turning performances into results if they’re to maintain their top flight status.
Bristol City, Birmingham City and Brighton and Hove Albion all risk the drop, the Seagulls are only three points clear of the Robins and Liverpool, who both have a game in hand.
City’s signings fared well, but is there more to come?
Bristol City announced three new signings on Saturday afternoon, two of which made their debuts off the bench.
Faye Bryson and Megan Wynne both took to the field after just one training session with their new club.
Speaking most match, Tanya Oxtoby explained she was pleased with their effort and energy, but that she expects the club to make one more signing before the window closes.
She said: “We’ve still hopefully got another one to come in this window, that can add quality in midfield.
“From our perspective it’s very difficult to play the style and brand of football we want to play when we don’t have recognised midfielders at this level.”
A quiet game from Ebony Salmon
One of the Women’s Super League’s breakthrough stars this season, many were expecting Salmon to cause Liverpool a host of problems in this game.
The 18 year old scored the opening goal in the reverse fixture and also netted the winning goal in City’s win over United earlier this month.
She was dangerous and carved a number of opportunities, using her pace down the right flank.
But her threat was sounded out by the Liverpool defence and she was kept quiet across the 90 minutes, having little influence on the game.
Both teams have winnable games up next…
When the WSL returns at the end of the month, both teams avoid the top teams in their next fixtures.
Liverpool will be looking to right the wrongs of their defeat to Birmingham City earlier in the season whilst Bristol City face newly promoted Tottenham, also seeking revenge from the loss of the reverse fixture.
Every game matters going forward, with top flight survival remaining in the balance for two teams fully established in the top division for the last three years.
Date written: January 20th 2020 | University work – News week
Hannah Pinnock Sports Blog 