Earlier this week, we found out that Carla Ward and Jordan Nobbs had been nominated for February’s manager and player of the month awards. We have also seen Rachel Daly, Adriana Leon, and Simone Magill scoring on international duty.
The mood around Aston Villa has been positive, but today’s return to league action saw us without Daly and Leon, Daly still serving her suspension and Leon qualifying for the semi-final of the Gold Cup with Canada.
Ward chose Magill to play up front, supported by Hanson and Lehmann. Nobbs and Corsie joined Dali in midfield, and Maritz played at centre-half instead of on the right. It was sure to be a challenge against fifth-placed Liverpool, but the team had a chance to impress with some star players missing and the possibility of entering the top half of the table.
Head of WSL Content: Georgia Homer
Villa started on the front foot and had a few early chances. Anna Patten had the opportunity to score from a corner, but the header was slightly wide. Nobbs soon followed up with an effort from outside of the box, but could not get through the crowd.
Liverpool grew into the game and created chances for Haug and Enderby, but it was Grace Fisk who broke the deadlock after 20 minutes. The defender found the ball at her feet unexpectedly after a free-kick routine and her shot was deflected past van Domselaar, putting Liverpool ahead.
Hanson and Dali both forced saves from Rachael Laws as Villa looked to respond, but Liverpool doubled their lead just 9 minutes later through Sophie Haug. Jasmine Matthews delivered a cross from the left wing, which van Domselaar was able to punch away, but only as far as Haug who headed into an empty net.
Villa continued fighting and Hanson’s pace proved too much for Gemma Bonner down the right side. The defender brought down Hanson just inside the box, conceding a penalty. In Daly’s absence, Sarah Mayling stepped up to the spot. Mayling slotted the ball coolly into the bottom left corner, out of Laws’ reach despite her guessing correctly.
Aston Villa had moments to equalise in the second half, but could not find a goal. Crosses into the box from Dali and Hanson went unmet, and Laws saved shots from Dali and Corsie.
On the hour mark, Liverpool extended their lead to 3-1. Matthews played another dangerous ball across the face of goal; it was too far ahead of Enderby in the centre of the box, but went through to Emma Koivisto who ran into the shot and scored in the far right corner.
Ward brought on Georgia Mullett and Danielle Turner, in place of Simone Magill and Alisha Lehmann, and Villa came close again. There were several attacking moves that almost worked out for Mullett, but the passes didn’t quite land for her. Jordan Nobbs’ looping effort narrowly missed over the bar, and she also hit a close-range shot on the end of a Dali cross that was saved.
Liverpool sealed the points and added a fourth when Emma Koivisto scored her second in the 82nd minute. It was a looping header following a Leanne Kiernan cross. It was a difficult afternoon for Villa, who cannot seem to find form at home despite a good number of chances. Liverpool were the better side at both ends of the pitch and Villa’s absentees were clearly felt.
On Wednesday, we travel to Arsenal for the Conti Cup semi-final.
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AUTHOR | GEORGIA HOMER
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One Response
Poor today defense poor again midfield non existent and no attacking threat at all missing RD Adri and Lucy Parker badly our squad quality is not good enough Kenza and Kirsty Noelle only decent players today must improve Worried for Wednesday utv
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