WSL match report: Aston Villa 2-1 Liverpool

A spectacular first WSL goal by Natalia Ramos put the Reds ahead in the 16th minute of Sunday’s game at Keys Park, where the visitors were dominant throughout the first half.

But Villa came out for the second half with much more attacking intent and levelled through Chastity Grant before benefitting from a Grace Fisk own goal.

Cornelia Kapocs saw an early attempt blocked during the a strong opening quarter of an hour from Liverpool, which was capped by Ramos’ moment of magic.

The midfielder collected a pass from Fuka Nagano, strode forward and picked out the top corner with an unstoppable, long-range drive.

Liverpool were very much in the ascendancy and Ramos tried to turn provider soon after, but Beata Olsson was unable to connect cleanly with her header and the chance was gone.

The one-way traffic continued, and Mia Enderby and Kapocs both tested Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma.

Though while the Reds ended the first half having recorded 11 shots on goal, Ramos’ special strike was their only reward.

And Gareth Taylor’s team would be left to rue their inability to capitalise further as Villa emerged a different proposition after the interval.

Khiara Keating, a near-bystander in the first half, had to make two saves to preserve the lead, but there was nothing she could do about Grant’s equaliser on the hour.

Okuma played long after a Liverpool corner and Grant sped onto the ball before hammering a shot into the far top corner from a tight angle.

Taylor immediately introduced the fit-again Vivien Endemann from the bench but the momentum was with the hosts.

And, with a little under 20 minutes remaining, they went ahead as Oceane Deslandes’ corner evaded everyone at the near post before hitting Fisk and going in.

Liverpool threw caution to the wind in an attempt to snatch a point late on, with Olsson going closest after a driving run down the right flank by Endemann, but Villa stood firm to claim the points.

Team

Liverpool: Keating, Bergstrom, Fisk, Clark, Bernabe, Nagano (Itamura, 86), Maclean, Ramos (Endemann, 64), Enderby (Höbinger, 46), Kapocs, Olsson.

Unused subs: Kirby, Woodham, Ward, Shaw, Breen, Trueman.

Next up

A home Subway Players Cup tie against Manchester United is next up for Liverpool on Wednesday night (October 21). Kick-off at St Helens Stadium is at 7pm BST and tickets can be purchased here.