WSL: London City Lionesses ease past Aston Villa with dominant win | OneFootball

A clinical display from London City Lionesses saw them take all three points from Aston Villa in front of an unhappy Villa Park.

The victory came courtesy of a Saki Kumagai double, and a goal from former Villan Isobel Goodwin. While Aston Villa’s sole goal came in the first half from Kirsty Hanson. As the referee blew the full-time whistle, the Villa faithful made clear their feelings regarding his refereeing of the match.

Despite early pressure, Villa were unable to replicate their strong defensive performance against Manchester United. While, London City rode out the pressure and eased into the match which has earned them back-to-back wins in the WSL for the second time this season.

Suffering a setback just before kick-off, Anna Patten had to withdraw from the starting 11 due to illness, which saw Rachel Daly enter the lineup.

Starting XIs

Aston Villa

D’angelo: Maritz, Deslandes, Wilms, Kendall, Taylor, Kearns, Grant, Mullet, Hanson, Daly.

London City Lionesses

Lete: Imuran, Linari, Sangare, Fernandez, Kumagai, Geyoro, Asllani, Parris, Godfrey, Goodwin.

Early Aston Villa pressure

A scrappy start to the game from London City Lionesses saw them unable to keep the ball under unrelenting pressure from the home side. Villa almost broke the deadlock in just the seventh minute but Hanson’s effort came crashing off the post.

Despite this pressure, it was the away side who took the lead. Easing into the game with some prolonged possession, London City were awarded a corner. Kumagai, free at the back post, stooped low to head home beyond Sabrina D’Angelo. This marked the first WSL goal for the five time UWCL winner.

Villa levelled the scoring before half-time through Hanson. A long ball over the top saw the Scottish international in acres of space. Failing to clear to ball, the winger’s shot slipped between the legs of Elene Lete, who should have done better.

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London City almost immediately restored their lead through skipper Kosovare Aslanni, but D’Angelo’s save stopped the effort settling in the top corner.

London City dominate in second half

LCL restored their lead minutes into the second half. After fluffing her first effort, Freya Godfrey kept the chance alive at the back post and Goodwin was on the line to tap home. A special goal against the club where she started her career.

The away side added their third moments later as once again Kumagai was free following a corner. The Japanese veteran easily headed home under no pressure from the Villa defence.

Ebony Salmon, through one-on-one had the opportunity to narrow Villa’s deficit. But, Lete, undeterred by her previous mistake made a great solid to preserve their two goal advantage, and ensure three points returned to London.

Up next

Both teams will be in midweek action in the Subway League Cup, before a final WSL match before the international break.

Villa, will host Birmingham City, in what is sure to be a juicy derby clash. While London City will travel to take on Ipswich Town who currently sit bottom of the WSL 2 league standings.

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