Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward hailed her side’s character after they defeated West Ham United 2-1 at The Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Goals from Rachel Daly and Jordan Nobbs handed The Villans a clear advantage before Viviane Asseyi pulled a goal back late on for the hosts. The Hammers threw everything at Aston Villa in the closing stages of the game but the visitors held out for yet another maximum points return on the road.
When speaking to FAWSL Full-Time after the match, Aston Villa head coach Ward said that the overall performance could have been better but her side showed incredible character.
“I’m pleased with the three points but not so pleased with the performance,” Ward said. “I think the character of the players needs to be spoken about because we found a way of winning when we weren’t at our best and that’s a really key skill to have.”
It could have been a very different story if not for the brilliance of goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. She superbly denied Asseyi and Amalie Thestrup in quick succession when the scores were level. The Villans were then able to establish the lead through a stunning effort from Daly. Ward said that both players made wonderful contributions to the outcome of the match.
She said “Hannah’s double save was sensational and equally, Rachel Daly’s goal was sensational.
“It was a tale of two boxes. I think we won those two boxes and that was really important.”
Aston Villa looked to be cruising to three points before Asseyi’s late goal piled on the pressure. West Ham United pushed hard for an equaliser but The Villans were solid at the back. Ward always felt confident that her side would get over the line.
“Quite weirdly, I was calm because the players have got character, this group has character in abundance; they pull through and look after each other,” Ward said. “They have an attitude where they just don’t roll over and that is so important at this level because West Ham threw everything at us, they were very good in spells.
“It is a difficult place to come but I am so proud with the way that my players came through and with the character that they showed today.”
Aston Villa are now unbeaten in six matches in the Barclays Women’s Super League while they have won their last three league games on the road, something which has also pleased Ward.
She said “It was good to win a third game on the road and maintain our unbeaten run in the league since Christmas, I think that’s really important.”
Aston Villa return to action next weekend when they host Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
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