Our final home game of 2025 sees Aston Villa visit Brisbane Road on Sunday (12pm UK) in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
As we make our return to action this weekend following the international break, we spoke to Finley Chung, journalist for Beyond The Pitch and Footie Fusion, to give us the lowdown on the Villans…
First up, how would Aston Villa reflect on the first half of the campaign as we play the penultimate fixture of the calendar year?
Finley: “I think Villa would be pleased given their start to the season. They ended last term strongly and gave Natalia Arroyo a good summer leading to her first full season at the club, and I think they’ve done well. Of course, some of the draws ideally would’ve been turned into wins, but the late draw at Arsenal shows just the sheer fight and mentality in the Villa squad.”
Talk to us about that massive win over Manchester United at the start of November and their unbeaten run away from home so far?
Finley: “Their away form has been nothing short of superb this season, one away goal on the road is testament to their defensive solidity. They are second on the way with WSL clean sheets with Sabrina D’Angelo on three - the former Arsenal stopper has finally found a home where she is loved and allowed to flourish. Anna Patten was one of the big reasons for the memorable three points at Manchester United, with a highly successful duel rate and tackle success rate.”
Lucia Kendall shone for the Lionesses over the international break - how has she settled into life in WSL and her breakthrough moment with England?
Finley: “She’s the name on everyone’s lips right now after a superb international break, rounded off by an almost ‘fairytale’ goal at Southampton against Ghana. Kendall has shone this season by being an almost ever present in the Aston Villa team. Her standout performance came in the 0-0 draw with Leicester, leading in pass accuracy, defensive contributions and ball recoveries. She dictates play in the middle of the park superbly, and Spurs will need one eye on her this weekend.”
Who else would be your ‘one to watch’ this weekend from Aston Villa?
Finley: “It might appear obvious, but Lynn Wilms has been nothing short of fantastic since joining Villa after four years at Wolfsburg. Deployed at the right side of a back three on her favoured side, she has shone in Arroyo’s back three system, with an eye for a set piece too, as seen in Villa’s 2-0 win over West Ham. She has an eye for goal from defence, but also does the day job very well too, part of Villa’s structured defensive unit with Anna Patten and Oceane Deslandes to her left, the 25-year-old has added vital experience and quality.”
Has Natalia Arroyo changed anything in her second season at the Club?
Finley: “I wouldn’t say too much has changed. Noelle Martiz has moved out to left wing back, the emergence of Kendall is key also but the shape, tactical systems are very similar to what was deployed when Natalia was appointed Villa head coach. They have become harder to beat, but sometimes lack the cutting edge going forward.”
How do you see the game panning out on Sunday?
Finley: “I see a tight encounter. Villa’s away record again, speaks for itself but Spurs have been brilliant at home, especially against Arsenal last time out where they defended superbly. The feel-good factor will be around Spurs, with this their last game of the year at home and the signing of Signe Gaupset too, with Villa keen to spoil the party. The two tactical set ups will be intriguing and a fascinating watch.”