Seeking to move to within three points of Robert Vilahamn’s Tottenham with a win at Brisbane Road on Sunday, Carla Ward’s Aston Villa would be hoping that they could source goals from alternative avenues during Rachel Daly’s suspension-enforced absence.
TOT: Votíková; Nildén, Bartrip, James-Turner, Grant; Clinton, Summanden, Graham, Bizet; England, Thomas
AVL: van Domselaar; Pacheco, Maritz, Patten, Mailing; Magill, Corsie, Nobbs; Hanson, Leon, Lehmann
Aston Villa looked to make light work of Rachel Daly’s absence against an impressive Tottenham side, as Adriana Leon fired the visitors into the lead after 23 minutes at Brisbane Road. The Canadian forward poked home the opener at Barbora Votíková’s near post, but their lead would be short-lived.
With less than ten minutes remaining before the interval, Amy James-Turner restored parity as she headed home an equaliser from an Eveliina Summanen free-kick – putting Robert Vilahamn’s side back in contention ahead of the second half.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut it was a spectacular Jordan Nobbs effort on the hour mark that would prove to be the decisive goal in North London, with the ex-Arsenal midfielder picking out the back of the net with a first-time strike from range before rubbing further salt into Tottenham wounds as she replicated Thierry Henry’s iconic corner flag celebration.
Substitute Jessica Naz would force Daphne van Domselaar into a fine save, but ultimately Aston Villa were able to return to the Midlands with a hard-fought three points that sees them move ten points clear of the drop zone.
The Barclays Women’s Super League will now take a two-week break due to the upcoming international window – but Tottenham must remain focused as they prepare for a mouthwatering North London Derby against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on March 3. Aston Villa host Liverpool on the same day.
