Aston Villa Women 0-4 Arsenal Women

Aston Villa Women’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end on Saturday, as they lost 4-0 to Arsenal at Villa Park.

A second-half brace from Kim Little, as well as strikes from Mana Iwabuchi and Katie McCabe ultimately decided a contest in which Villa defended resolutely throughout and will feel hard-done-by afterwards.

The result gives Carla Ward her first defeat as Villa boss as they head into a key battle with Reading next week.

A couple of late changes were made by Ward for the visit of the Gunners on Saturday.

Sarah Mayling was unwell and missed out on a return to Villa Park, while Emily Gielnik couldn’t recover in time after sustaining a toe injury during last weekend’s win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Reverting to a back five in an attempt to nullify the Jonas Eidevall’s side, Villa defended strongly during the opening half.

Hannah Hampton parried a cross from Beth Mead away from danger after it evaded Vivianne Miedema in the middle, whilst Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah almost scored with a looping effort from outside the area.

Arsenal increased the pressure as half-time approached but couldn’t find a way past Villa’s backline.

That changed shortly after the break, however.

Eidevall’s side started the second 45 in very much the same way and took the lead through captain Little.

Soon after, Shania Hayles entered the fray to inject some fresh energy into Villa’s attack.

The home support urged the side on in search of an equaliser, with Maz Pacheco and Alisha Lehmann marauding down the left-hand side.

The search would be in vain, however, as Arsenal struck three more times in the final 10 minutes to seal the three points and maintain their perfect start.