By Damion Arnold (15/3/26)
Above: Chastity Grant shoots in the first half Photo: Aston Villa FC
Having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven attempts, Aston Villa produced a strong display to keep league leaders Manchester City out, with the draw allowing some doubt to creep in about what was seen as a title City had almost already won. This visitors missed midfield mainstay Yui Hasegawa in a disjointed display.
First Half
Aston Villa brought the game to the league leaders in the first half as they dominated large spells of possession and created some fantastic chances.
Manchester City’s Khiara Keating produced some good saves to keep the score level. In the 24th minute, she got down quickly to deny Noelle Maritz after the latter broke through the backline with a clever run. A minute later, Keating reacted quickly to a front post flick-on by Anna Patten.
The Citizens’ goalkeeper was forced into another quick reaction save after Miri Taylor’s initial ranged shot was deflected towards goal by Kirsty Hanson.
Chasity Grant finally beat the young England keeper, but Natalia Arroyo must have been in absolute despair as she watched the ball strike the woodwork instead in the 31st minute.
The hosts had their best chance of the half in the 34th minute. Keating’s pass aimed for Knaak presented Lucia Kendall with an open goal. Kendall unfortunately, could not get the shot on target.
The league leaders almost entered the break ahead, as Ellie Roebuck misread Kerstin Casparij’s cross. Fortunately, for the Villas keeper, she managed to get a hand to the ball and deflect it behind for a corner.
Second Half
Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw found Vivianne Miedema in the box with a good cross. The latter headered the ball goalward, but Roebuck saved it well.
it was a frustrating second half for Andree Jeglertz’s side. While they dominated the ball and had the better of the chances – unlike the first 45, Miri Taylor, Anna Pattern and the rest of the Villa defence just kept throwing themselves in the way and dispossessing City’s attackers.
The visitors came close to breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute. A corner ball into the box was curling in from Alex Greenwood, but Aston Villa’s Grant cleared the ball brilliantly off the line with her chest.
With a minute left of regular time, Roebuck pulled off a great diving save, denying Sam Coffey’s half-volley effort inside the box.
The full-time whistle sounded after six minutes of added time. The Villa players were elated, delivering a fantastic performance in all areas and easing the pressure on head coach Arroyo, whilst the City players knew they missed the chance to go 11 points clear.
Aston Villas next game is against Leicester City on March 22 whilst Manchester City face a big Saturday test at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Teams: Aston Villa (3-4-1-2): Roebuck, Parker, Patten (c), Nighswonger, Wilms, Jean-François, Taylor, Maritz, Kendall, Grant, Hanson. Substitutes: Salmon (for Hansen 90′), Staniforth (for Kendall 90+2′) D’Angelo, Maltby, Deslandes, Johnson, Seymour, Lea.
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Keating, Rose, Knaak, Greenwood (c), Casparij, Blindkilde Brown, Coffey, Hemp, Kerolin, Miedema, Shaw. Substitutes: Lohmann (for Blindkilde Brown 65′) Cumings, Coombs, Ouahabi, Beney, Prior, Oyama, Murphy, Adedini
Referee: Phoebe Cross
Attendance: 3,388
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 