Manchester United have suffered a third successive draw at Leigh Sports Village, stalling their hopes of claiming the Women’s Super League title. United were unable to create many chances, being dominated in possession by the visitors who have taken just two points from their first six fixtures.
Marc Skinner made 2 changes to the starting eleven that secured a 1-1 draw against Arsenal last Sunday, with Mannion and Naalsund making way for Malard and Riviere.
Robert de Pauw’s side suffered a 1-2 defeat to Liverpool last weekend, sitting them in the bottom of the league table. De Pauw entered Mayling, Staniforth, and Grant into the action, replacing Kearns, Robinson and Leon, in the hopes of securing their second victory in the Women’s Super League.
Aston Villa opened the game with an intensity almost immediately after a press from Gabi Nunes against Tullis-Joyce almost paid off, forcing the goalkeeper into a stretched clearance behind the goal.
A loose pass from Nobbs in the 12th minute saw the ball fall into the possession of Malard, before being passed out to Ella Toone. Clinton dropped behind Toone, allowing a 1-2 opportunity to open, but Clinton was unfortunate to overshoot her pass back to Toone, sending the ball out for a goal-kick.
Aston Villa were quick to take another chance at breaking the deadlock, as Daly passed the ball down the right channel to Hanson. Hanson tapped the ball out to Nobbs in the box, who sent the ball into the hands of Tullis-Joyce at the near post.
Jordan Nobbs was on the end of yet another close chance, forcing Tullis-Joyce into a high jump to tip the ball over the goal. The Manchester United defence appeared to be stunned by the high intensity of Villa’s press, lacking any form of momentum.
Manchester United’s Celin Bizet crossed the ball into the six-yard box, with Malard on the attacking end of the ball, but is unfortunate to under-estimate the angle of her shot, sending the ball just wide of the post.
The fourth official indicated a minimum of two minutes added time, in which Terland attempted to strive forward to get the first goal of the game. A burst down the wing from Terland saw the ball crossed into Clinton in the 18-yard box, who's left-footed shot travelled just wide of the far post.
After what was a lively start for both sides, Aston Villa edged forward with a 62% possession rate throughout the first half.
HALF-TIME: Manchester United 0 - 0 Aston Villa
Both teams remained unchanged when coming back from the interval. A deep corner from Villa saw Nobbs on the receiving end, who was unable to retain possession of the ball.
Manchester United worked their magic within the midfield, with Riviere finding Terland with a through ball. Terland’s touch was heavy, sending the ball out for a goal kick.
Aston Villa were forced into making their first substitution earlier than planned, as Lucy Parker was withdrawn from the game due to an injury. Paula Thomas came on, shifting into the left back position.
A flurry of corners fell in Villa’s favour, with the first causing Tullis-Joyce to back-pedal to tip the ball over the cross bar. The second saw Staniforth cross into the box with Daly heading the ball towards the goal, but Terland was able to clear the chance.
Marc Skinner made his first substitution in the 69th minute, with Geyse entering the action for Malard.
A free kick was awarded to Manchester United in the 72nd minute after Mayling restricted Bizet’s movement when receiving a throw-in from Gabby George. This went out to Le Tissier, who sent a long channel ball to Geyse, who tapped the ball across to Riviere. Riviere crossed the ball into Toone, who took the snapshot chance to force D’Angelo off her line, claiming the ball.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes before added time, the Villains started to appear frantic as they ping-ponged the ball throughout the midfield, unable to get it any further.
Celin Bizet swung the ball into the box after another free kick was awarded to the Red Devils, but Jordan Nobbs dropped away from Villa’s backline, reading ahead of the game. Nobbs sent the ball back into the hands of D’Angelo.
The final chance of the second half came in the 97th minute, after Janssen stood to take a free kick, sending the ball out to le Tissier who hoisted the ball into the box. D’Angelo left her line, punching the ball out to Geyse with Villa unable to convincingly clear the attempt. Bizet retrieved the ball, before being hooked out by Leon.
FULL TIME: Manchester United 0-0 Aston Villa
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