Aston Villaβs second league fixture of the year came against Manchester City. Carla Wardβs side travelled to the Academy Stadium with the hope of recreating the opening day magic we were treated to back in September, when Villa won the home fixture 4-3.Β
Both teams have strengthened since their last meeting, with Villaβs January recruits taking their place in the starting XI for the second time. Jordan Nobbs and Lucy Staniforth impressed in the win against Tottenham last week, so Carla Ward named an unchanged side. Fans were happy to see the return of Rachel Corsie and Ruesha Littlejohn to the bench, and more good news came earlier in the week when club captain Remi Allen shared a video of her running on grass as she continues her recovery.
The first 25 minutes proved difficult for Villa and City put the pressure on early. Bunny Shaw, equal on goals with Rachel Daly, got a shot away in the opening minutes but it was a difficult chance on the turn. More opportunities came through a free kick and a corner, but Villa were able to start a counter attack and force their first attack of the game through Kirsty Hanson on the right wing.
Things looked nervous for Villa and a short pass from Anna Leat was almost punished by Shaw. Soon after, Chloe Kelly hit the side netting with a powerful strike.
It was in the 28th minute that Manchester City broke the deadlock. Bunny Shaw played the role of creator this time, and found space between the back line to roll a ball through to Deyna Castellanos to face Anna Leat. Castellanos slots it past her to put the hosts ahead.
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Villa provided an immediate response. Just 3 minutes later, Rachel Daly sends in a cross from the right towards Hanson. Hansonβs first shot was blocked by Esme Morgan with a potential shout for handball, but Hansonβs second attempt, made off balance as she fell to the ground, fired up and over Roebuck in goal. This equaliser makes four consecutive league goal involvements for Hanson, after the two assists against Spurs last week and her goal against Arsenal before the break.
Villa stayed on top until the break, but the best chances for Daly and Nobbs were called offside. Ward made two changes before the second half, substituting Turner and Blindkilde for Lehmann and Corsie. Manchester City also removed Morgan for Casparij.
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The second half was a stronger showing from Villa, but both sides had chances. Hanson came closest, as she hit the post at 51 minutes in. The ball fell to her in the box and she curled it to the right hand corner, narrowly missing out on a winning goal.
City fought back with another shot from Shaw, who was once again on the end of a Chloe Kelly cross from the right. The header sailed over the bar and the teams stayed level.
The next best opportunity came in the 70th minute when Rachel Daly sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal but Alisha Lehmann could not quite get on the end of it to poke it home. Kenza Dali later forced a save from Roebuck, who pushed the ball out from reaching the bottom left corner. Lucy Staniforth followed up with an attempt from range, but it was too high.
After a nervous start and falling behind, Villa came away from Manchester with a well-deserved point and reason to believe they could have won the game. Carla Wardβs side sit top of the league for points won from losing positions, with this draw making that 10 points. Villa climb to 5th in the WSL.Β
AUTHOR | GEORGIA HOMER
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