Liverpool Women’s winless start to the Women’s Super League (WSL) season worsened after a disappointing 3–0 defeat to Aston Villa, with under-pressure manager Gareth Taylor describing the performance as a “real reality check.” The Reds have now gone 10 league matches without a victory, collecting just four points and sliding further into relegation danger.

The match at Villa Park exposed Liverpool’s ongoing struggles, with the team failing to register a single shot on target and sitting two points adrift at the bottom of the table. For Taylor, who is still seeking his first WSL win as Liverpool boss, the situation has reached a critical point.

Gareth Taylor Acknowledges ‘Team Needs Help’ Amid Growing Pressure

When asked about the pressure surrounding his position, Taylor was honest and reflective:

“I don’t know. I think there is a real reality check here. I think this team needs help. I need help.”

Taylor took charge in August, replacing interim manager Amber Whiteley, who guided Liverpool to a seventh-place finish last season. Despite optimism upon his arrival, Taylor has secured only three wins—each against second-tier clubs in the Women’s League Cup.

He admitted the side has gone backwards:

“There’s no doubt we have regressed as a team—more than you would expect from a club like Liverpool. The players are honest, we’re giving it everything, but tonight we were exposed.”

Injuries Compound Liverpool’s Difficult Start

While results have been disappointing, Taylor’s first months on Merseyside have been disrupted by a series of injuries to key players:

• Marie Hobinger – ACL injury
• Sophie Roman Haug – ACL injury
• Ceri Holland – spells on the sidelines
• Gemma Bonner – spells out of the squad

The absence of experienced and influential players has made it difficult for Liverpool to build consistency or attacking threat.

Must-Win Clash Against West Ham Looms Large

Liverpool now face a crucial weekend showdown against fellow strugglers West Ham—another team flirting with the relegation play-off zone. The match at Chigwell Construction Stadium could be season-defining.

A win would lift Taylor’s side above West Ham and out of danger.

“We have to go and show a reaction,” Taylor said. “If we don’t, West Ham have players who can capitalise—and they will.”

Defensive Errors Cost Liverpool Dearly

Thursday night’s defeat began disastrously. Just 27 seconds into the match, a mix-up between Gemma Evans and goalkeeper Faye Kirby gifted Rachel Daly a simple finish. Villa soon added two more—through Kirsty Hanson after a well-timed run from Chasity Grant, and another from Daly after Kirby parried a shot into her path.

Brighton forward Fran Kirby, analysing the match on Sky Sports, highlighted Liverpool’s defensive disorganisation:

“They looked comfortable in spells, but there wasn’t enough quality. Too many goals tonight came from a lack of communication.”

Taylor echoed that sentiment:

“We made it really easy for Villa. We need to compete. Fight, reaction, body language—this is the minimum. Liverpool can’t win games playing like that.”

Liverpool’s Survival Battle Intensifies

With the fixtures piling up and confidence dwindling, Liverpool face an urgent need to correct course. Taylor insists his group is committed, but performances must improve quickly to avoid falling deeper into relegation trouble.

The upcoming trip to West Ham may not decide Liverpool’s entire season, but it may determine the future direction of Taylor’s tenure—and whether the Reds have the resilience to pull themselves out of danger.