Arsenal suffered a huge 5-2 loss to Aston Villa, effectively handing the title to Chelsea. The Blues face Manchester United tonight, and a draw would be enough to win the Women’s Super League 2024/2025. Aston Villa delivered an outstanding performance, pouncing on every msitake the Gunners made. Freed from the pressure of relegation, Villa played with renewed confidence, improved form, and a visible sense of joy. Read our match report on Aston Villa vs. Arsenal here.
Match Highlights
- Jordan Nobbs opened the scoring against her former club.
- Kirsty Hanson got on the scoresheet before half time.
- Chasity Grant netted the third in the 46th minute.
- Rachel Daly adds the fourth in a Aston Villa masterclass.
- Blackstenius and Russo pull back for Arsenal (4-2).
- Chasity Grant and Jill Baijings link up nicely for the 5-2.
- Rachel Corsie made her return.
Arsenal let momentum slip
Despite early possession being dominated by Arsenal, Aston Villa pressed high and pounced on every possible chance. Wubben-Moy’s loose ball was intercepted by Salmon, who nearly tested Zinsberger, but her effort was blocked by McCabe.
At the other end of the pitch, Chloe Kelly worked her way into the box a few times, but the Gunners lacked precision in the final third to convert their chances. This allowed momentum to shift toward Aston Villa. The home team earned multiple corners and got very close to opening the scoring.
The biggest opportunity came when Zinsberger’s pass was intercepted by Pacheco. She found Missy Bo Kearns in the box, who attempted a shot, but Cooney-Cross made a crucial block.
Aston Villa take the lead
Aston Villa opened the scoring thanks to Jordan Nobss after a spectacular counter-attack. An Arsenal corner turned around lightning quick, with Ebony Salbon carrying the ball through the midfield and finding an unmarked Jordan Nobss in the box. She calmly beat Zinsberger.
The goal gave Aston Villa a confidence boost, allowing them to push forward and create several more chances before half time. Their goalkeeper played a vital role, intercepting crosses and denying Arsenal any goalscoring opportunities.
Villa doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time with an absolute banger from Kirsty Hanson. Kearns did the hard work, dispossessing Chloe Kelly and finding Hansen, who unleashed a long-range rocket into the back of the net.
Second Half: Slegers changed it up
- Arsenal’s head coach, RenĂ©e Slegers, took Wubben-Moy, Pelova and Cooney-Cross off and replaced them with Williamson, Little and Russo.
Despite the substitutions, Aston Villa scored their third goal just minutes into the second half. A long ball from D’Angelo was chased down by Chasity Grant. She got in between McCabe and Zinsberger, extending Villa’s lead.
Soon after, Arsenal turned up the heat with back-to-back corners. D’Angelo kept her side in the game when she saved an effort from Williamson at the far post. The home team defended well against the setpieces, not giving away their three goal lead.
Aston Villa Masterclass
Aston Villa scored a fourth in the 59th minute. Great work from Ebony Salbon to get to D’Angelo’s pass. She then found Hanson, who sent Daly through into the box, who poked it past Zinsberger
RenĂ©e Slegers’ side is usually very good at coming back into a game, but a four-goal deficit is a lot to overcome. The head coach brought Foord on for Kelly, in an effort to shift momentum.
It worked at first: Arsenal finally got their first goal through Blackstenius. A long ball over the top reached her, as she beat her defender to the ball and sent it into the back of the net.
- Ebony Salmon, Missy Bo Kearns and Pacheco made way for Maltby, Baijings and Robinson.
Hopeful to turn it around
The Gunners scored their second goal three minutes after the first. This time it was Alessia Russo, who headed home Katie Reid’s delivery at the near post. But Villa sealed the win when Chasity Grant scored the 5-2. As slick one-two with Baijings sent her through on goal. Catley and Williamson were not fast enough to catch her.
- Mayling on for Hanson
- Maanum on for McCabe
Final ten minutes
Arsenal continued to press for goals in the final minutes, despite a three-goal deficit. However, the visitors were unable to really threaten Villa. There was a nice moment when Rachel Corsie made her return, after being sidelined with an injury since the start of the season. She receieved the captains armband from Rachel Daly.
The result is a major boost for Chelsea, as the Blues can now secure the WSL title tonight. They face Manchester United and only need one point.
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