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Aston Villa 1, London City Lionesses 3.
- samwraight
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
London City Lionesses produce a clinical display to beat Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Sunday 16th November | Villa Park, Birmingham
Saki Kumagai’s first WSL goals and a strike from former Villa forward Izzy Goodwin secured victory for London City on a chilly lunchtime at Villa Park.
The visitors delivered a clinical display on the road in what was an entertaining encounter.
Fresh from their victory at Manchester United in their previous outing, the home side started brightly with Rachel Daly and Kirsty Hanson going close, the latter’s shot bounced off the post and away.
It was Jocelyn Prêcheur’s team who took the lead against the run of play on 12 minutes, Kumagai, netting her first WSL goal, headed home captain Kosovare Asllani’s corner.
Hanson levelled for Villa just after the hour-half mark, her shot edged under the legs of goalkeeper Elene Lete.
London City’s response was strong, the ever-involved and impactful Asllani’s run and shot drawing a fine one-handed save from Villa stopper Sabrina D'Angelo before Kumagai fired wide from the resultant corner.
To bring an end to what was an entertaining opening half, Daly went close with a long-range effort which edged over the top of the crossbar.
City came out of the traps early in the second period and re-took the lead six minutes in, former Villa forward Goodwin stabbing home following good play down the right from Jana Fernández.
Moments later, Kumagai netted her second in similar fashion to the first, bravely meeting a knock-on from Asllani’s corner to give the visitors a cushion.
The WSL fixture continued to be absorbing and end-to-end and only fine goalkeeping from Lete prevented Villa from reducing the deficit, the pick of her saves from Ebony Salmon’s drive; Lete’s leg denying the Villa substitute.
After netting her first domestic goals, Kumagai was named player of the match while Prêcheur’s side showed combined quality and determination needed in the top flight away from home.
“It was a very tough game today against a very strong opponent,” said Prêcheur. “I am pleased with the way we defended, our team effort against a very good team.
“I am pleased for Saki following her two goals. I credit my staff who take care of the set pieces. It’s a team effort with creating the space and they deserve great credit. We know the quality Saki has, she is very talented and I am delighted she was able to get two goals."
This weekend’s results leave London City Lionesses in sixth place in the Barclays Women’s Super League on 15 points.
Prêcheur added: “We found goals harder to come by earlier in the season. I am pleased for Izzy today, goals give confidence and she works tirelessly.
“Scoring seven goals in two games is a real positive for our team.
“We know we can improve and we are determined to do so. We will work on our consistency and hard on the training ground ahead of our League Cup game and then during the upcoming international break.”
For Prêcheur's full break down, check the video below.
Next up, we travel to face Ipswich Town at the JobServe Community Stadium on Sunday 23rd November in the Subway League Cup before the international break.
We return home to the CopperJax Community Stadium, Bromley on Sunday 7th December to host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Teamsheet: Lete, Fernández, Kumagai, Asllani (Kennedy 78'), Linari, Godfrey (Franssi 66’), Parris (Roddar 66’), Goodwin (Goldie 94'), Imuran , Sangaré, Geyoro (Zelem 94').