Aston Villa Women 0, Manchester City Women 2
A brace of early goals by Georgia Stanway set Manchester City on their way to victory at Aston Villa but four more goals were ruled out which could have made for a more exciting game.
Embed from Getty ImagesStanway scored twice in a quickfire start to the 2020/2021 WSL season but worrying signs of complacency could have seen Villa get something from a match that City expected to win comfortably.
Some overly cautious offside flagging saw both sides miss out on goals – three of the four looked onside – but City allowed Villa too many chances to get into the game, demonstrating that no team should be taken lightly in the WSL this term.
New City boss Gareth Taylor admitted his team could have played better but he was pleased to take the points on a big day for himself and for Aston Villa.
“We didn’t play our game progressively and consistently enough.” he conceded. “I know what these girls are capable of.
“Maybe an early goal by Sam Mewis would have settled the nerves quicker.”
He was pleased with George Stanway’s contribution, though, adding: “She probably should have had a hat trick but she’ll be pleased to get a couple of goals.”
With the transfer window still open there is still scope to bring in more players – and Taylor remained tight lipped on rumours that City were lining up a double swoop to bring Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood back to England from Lyon.”
“Fingers crossed we can get a couple of bits done.” said Taylor, with a smile on his face.
City made just two changes from the Community Shield defeat to Chelsea last week – with Jill Scott and injured Lauren Hemp (hamstring) replaced by Sam Mewis and Janine Beckie.
Scott was not suspended following her sending off in that game as the Community Shield was classed as a friendly while Rose Lavelle was still in quarantine following her transfer from NWSL.
City captain Steph Houghton became the first player in WSL history to register 100 victories – doing so in just 140 appearances.
It was a long afternoon for newly promoted Aston Villa Women after City’s high pressing approach paid off early when Stanway scored after just six minutes at Villa Park after Natalie Haigh dummied a backpass which left Sian Rogers stranded.
Stanway had already had two shots charged down after the lively Chloe Kelly had found plenty of space down the City left flank and should have had another before the break but sliced her shot when clear.
City should have been in the lead before that when Sam Mewis’ tap in was ruled out by a marginal offside call on Kelly in the build-up following a defence splitting forward pass by Gemma Bonner.
The lead was doubled after 21 minutes after another mistake at the back allowed Stanway to double City’s lead after Marisa Ewers’ undercooked backpass was intercepted by the buzzing Stanway who charged down Roger’s clearance and saw the rebound go into the net.
Aston Villa improve after early mistakes
Aston Villa’s best attacking moves came via crosses from Diana Silva but they were denied a good goal when Ramona Petzelberger was adjudged to be offside by another questionable call after her shot was blocked by Ellie Roebuck before Stine Larsen converted the rebound as Villa improved towards the end of the first half.
City were almost caught out again when Larsen headed wide before Stokes completed the clearance in a poor end to the first half for the Blues.
Villa started the second half as they finished the first with Silva shooting wide when played in by Emma Follis while Roebuck was off her line quickly to clear from Larsen.
Chances for Kelly, Caroline Weir, Janine Beckie, and Stanway were stopped, with Rogers atoning for her earlier mistakes with a string of good saves.
A mistake by Bonner allowed Follis a clear run on goal and Roebuck again came off her line to stop the strike.
Ellen White replaced Beckie midway through the second half and laid on a chance for Stanway which was blocked by Rogers.
She hit the woodwork late in the game and saw a late effort ruled out for another offside after a delightfully weighted touch by Mewis to play her in.
Scott replaced Weir for the final six minutes and there was even room for another disallowed goal, with White squaring for Kelly – this time looking clearly offside from the pass which put the England striker through.
Mewis had improved throughout the game and saw her injury time shot deflected onto the roof of the Villa net as City eased themselves to victory.
GOALS – Aston Villa 0, Manchester City 2
Aston Villa 0, Man City 1: 6. Georgia Stanway scored into an empty net after an error by Natalie Haigh in dummying a back pass for Sian Rogers without checking behind her.
Aston Villa 0, Man City 2: 21. Georgia Stanway doubled City’s lead after Marisa Ewers’ undercooked backpass was intercepted by Stanway who slotted past Sian Rogers.
MATCH STATS – Aston Villa 0, Manchester City 2
Aston Villa Women: Rogers, Siems, Haigh, N’Dow (Ale 69), Franklin-Fraiture, Ewers (C) (Syme 69), Arthur (Hanssen 90+1), Petzelberger, Larsen, Silva (Hutton 90+1), Follis (Hayles 74)
Aston Villa Women Subs Not Used: Weiss, Asante, West, Haywood
Man City Women: Roebuck, Morgan, Houghton (C), Bonner, Stokes, Walsh, Mewis, Weir (Scott 84), Beckie (White 67), Stanway, Kelly
Man City Women Subs not used: Bardsley, Benameur, Coombs, Park
Goals: Stanway 6, 21
Referee: Abigail Byrne