WSL 2022/23 Preview 2: Aston Villa
WSL 2021/22 final position: 9th
Aston Villa’s most eye-catching business of the summer saw them capture Lionesses left-back Rachel Daly from Houston Dash, although Daly played as a forward for the American club and should do the same for Villa.
How we fared last season
Other teams scored more goals against Leicester but no team inflicted more heartbreak than Aston Villa.
4 September 2021: Aston Villa 2 Leicester City 1
It all started so promisingly. Natasha Flint, top scorer in Leicester’s 2020/21 Championship title-winning season, opened her WSL account in the first half of the first game and with an hour gone, it seemed like it would be an opening day victory for the top tier’s newest club.
But it all turned around in the space of two minutes, Sarah Mayling’s superb free kick swiftly followed by a second goal for Villa - debutant Remi Allen, who had left Leicester on a free transfer in the summer, hitting the winner to make it a losing start to WSL life.
23 January 2022: Leicester City 1 Aston Villa 2
At a crucial juncture in the season, with bottom club Birmingham just two points behind, Leicester suffered a second knockout blow at the hands of Aston Villa. The two teams had exchanged own goals and Leicester looked the likelier to go on and win the game with an array of chances going begging.
Deep into injury time, Villa winger Alisha Lehmann struck the winner to lift the away side into ninth, seven points above their hosts, who remained in relegation trouble.
When we face them this season
Home: 25 September 2022
Away: 25/26 March 2023
What the papers say
‘With further experience imported in the shape of the talented Wales midfielder Natasha Harding, who has relocated from Reading, and the former Everton defender Danielle Turner, who joins a backline built around the Scotland defender Rachel Corsie and protected by the England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, Villa look in decent shape.’
Louise Taylor, The Guardian - read Louise’s full Aston Villa season preview
A new signing speaks
‘It was a big decision. I've been away from home now for ten years and for me family's the most important thing. I spoke to a few clubs along the journey and it felt right to sign for Villa. The journey that the club is on is one I want to be a part of.’
Rachel Daly
View from the stands: Chris Freville
Were you happy with how last season went for Villa?
I am relatively happy with how it went for Villa last season but we certainly could have achieved more points and a higher league position. Defensively we were outstanding at times having several games where we only conceded either one goal or none at all.
However, going forward Villa had the worst record in the league of only 13 goals in 22 games and the second worst record of only 2.3 shots on target per match.
What are your expectations for this season and are you happy with your transfer business so far?
My expectations are for Villa to simply get more points and finish higher than 9th place but we shall see. I am excited by the signings of Rachel Daly and Simone Magill, although unfortunately Magill will be out injured for most of the season.
I believe Villa should be targeting more youthful players especially the calibre of those playing for England U19s or England U23s. We’re still expecting one or two more players to come in before the window closes so hopefully this will boost the squad.
Which Villa player should we look out for most?
Obviously the standout name is Rachel Daly having had an excellent EURO 2022 tournament but it will be interesting to see her play as a striker rather than a full-back.
Villa’s other two full-backs, Maz Pacheco and Sarah Mayling are always exciting to watch in their ability to block off opponents but equally turn defence into attack with their darting runs. Laura Blindkilde Brown is also a very creative, forward-thinking player who I’d love to see get much more game time this season.
Did any Leicester players impress you last season?
I thought Freya Gregory (on loan from Aston Villa) had an outstanding half-season at Leicester and to be honest I’m glad she’s back at Villa.
Shannon O’Brien is another young player with bags of talent so I’m sure she’ll have a bright future ahead of her. Jemma Purfield has also impressed me with her midfield play including goals and assists.
Lastly, how was Euro 2022 for you?
The summer of 2022 following the Euros was absolutely fantastic and the memories will live with me forever.
I was lucky enough to watch all six England games live and my favourite moment has to be the Alessia Russo back heel goal I witnessed first-hand at Bramall Lane. I also went to four other matches involving teams like Switzerland and the Netherlands - I loved the Dutch fan walk!
Find Chris on Twitter @chriswosowriter and check out his Villa Women Are Supreme Podcast.
Follow the Aston Villa Women’s Supporters Club on Twitter at @AVW_SC and visit the AVWSC website.