WSL FAN REPORT | LIVERPOOL 0-1 ASTON VILLA

After two wins, followed by three losses, Aston Villa Women had an opportunity to return to winning ways before the international break. Villa headed north to face newly promoted Liverpool, who achieved a shock win against Chelsea on the opening day of the season but have yet to pick up a point since. 

Carla Ward opted for the same starting XI once again, persevering with the side that put up a fight against Chelsea last week. Hannah Hampton confirmed on social media that she underwent successful surgery, so Anna Leat kept her place in goal for another week. 

Liverpool held possession for the first couple of minutes, but Villa quickly grew into the game. After around 4 minutes, Lehmann’s cross turned shot had to be tipped away from the top corner by goalkeeper Rachael Laws. A threatening corner kick by Kenza Dali set up Dan Turner but her header was off target. 

Kirsty Hanson, Kenza Dali, and Rachel Daly all made attempts on goal within twenty minutes, but struggled to trouble Laws. At the other end, Anna Leat collected a cross from the right wing before any of Liverpool’s attackers could reach it. 

After half an hour, Hanson’s persistence down the right wing was rewarded with a free-kick in a dangerous area. Dali’s ball was blocked by the opposition, and triggered a Liverpool counter-attack. Before the team could completely break away, Maz Pacheco brought Melissa Lawley to ground and picked up the first yellow card of the game. The resulting free-kick ends up in the path of Taylor Hinds, who lifted the ball high over the crossbar. 

Liverpool created another number of chances before half-time, including a Emma Koivisto shot from a tight angle that looked incredibly close from the view shown. Megan Campbell showcased several of her famous long throws, which proved threatening in the Villa box. One found Katie Stengel to head from close range and another was glanced on by Rachel Furness, but both were well-managed between Leat and her back line.

Just moments before the break, a Liverpool corner fell to Koivisto at the edge of the box. Somehow Liverpool had nobody offering protection, so when Lehmann stole the ball she could make a great run and break through on goal. She looked to beat Laws by powering into the far corner, but was frustratingly denied by the post. Dali and Daly were quickly arriving in the middle for the rebound, but the goalkeeper was able to jump on it. 

The teams headed into the break on level terms.

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH VILLA BELLAS

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Although Hanson has not yet scored for Villa in the WSL, her desire is clear to see in every performance. After 55 minutes, her run into the penalty area drew the goalkeeper out of position and forced her to make the tackle. Rachel Law’s attempt to stifle Hanson was deemed unlawful and a penalty was awarded to Aston Villa. There was no debate this time about the taker, and Rachel Daly stepped up to score sixth goal of the campaign in as many games. 

Liverpool worked for an equaliser as substitute Missy Bo Kearns made a couple of late tries, but Villa were able to hold tight and give Anna Leat her first clean sheet for the club. 

There was some discussion around the penalty decision following the game, but for Aston Villa it is an important win and that is all that matters. It sends us back in the right direction before the international break and takes us into 6th position. We play again in just two weeks against Reading at Villa Park, with our sights set even higher now that we are level on points with Tottenham and Everton. 

AUTHOR | GEORGIA HOMER

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Author’s UTV PODCAST archive Georgia Homer

Thumbnail Media Credit: avfc.co.uk

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VILLA BELLAS

Villa Bellas is the Official AVFC Women’s Network. In an unequal and often unrelenting world we work to break down barriers for equality.

Our network aims to raise the voice of women and non-binary people at @AVFCOfficial We support inclusion & diversity and with our allies, we can challenge sexism and misogyny, creating a safe and welcoming environment for the fans in the stands and the women on the pitch.

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