Natalia Arroyo celebrates Aston Villa win over Liverpool in Women's Super League - 'It is a statement for us'

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Aston Villa cemented their lead over ninth-placed Everton in the Women's Super League with a 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Thursday. A brace from Rachel Daly - her first league goals of the season - were key to the home side's win, and they were aided by a poor defensive display from Gareth Taylor's side, who are yet to win in the league this season.

Highlights: Tielemans winner sees Villa down Basel

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Natalia Arroyo said she hoped Aston Villa’s 3-0 Women's Super League (WSL) win over Liverpool could be a "statement" victory ahead of the new year.

Two goals from Rachel Daly - her first strikes of the season - helped Villa to a comfortable victory, while Liverpool remain rooted to the bottom of the WSL and without a win in the current campaign.

Daly’s first goal came almost instantly - after just 27 seconds - following a defensive error from Gemma Evans and Liverpool goalkeeper Faye Kirby.

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Another error from Kirby gifted Maya Hijikata another chance, but she was unable to convert.

Daly won the Golden Boot in the 2022/23 season, but the 34-year-old has been on the scoresheet less regularly after moving to a deeper role under her current manager.

Kirsty Hanson was on hand to convert a low cross from Chasity Grant on 28 minutes to double the home side’s lead. Grant took advantage of space opening up after a clever dummy from Daly in the build-up to the move.

Villa continued to press in the second half and hit the woodwork through Ebony Salmon. The ball rebounded into the path of Daly, who was able to score her second of the match, and a third for Arroyo’s side.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the win, Arroyo said that she hoped the win could be a launchpad for 2026.

She said: "The most important thing was to take the three points, but we are also always talking about not only winning but how we win. Today, we showed patience and bravery with the ball. We had been lacking a bit of this composure in possession, and we tried some good things.

"Out of possession today, the game asked us to be a little bit more patient. I think we showed this hard work, and I am especially proud of this type of performance and, of course, the fact that this allowed us to enjoy the first three points with our fans.

"I want to say thank you to them. It is not easy to come on a Thursday afternoon. They were supporting us, and we were not winning for them. Today we can send them this gift before Christmas and, hopefully, it is a statement for us for next year."

Watch: 'What a goal!' - Tielemans finishes beautifully to restore Villa lead

Video credit: TNT Sports

Liverpool ended the game still bottom of the table, two points from safety, and they have just four points from their first 10 league games.

They attempted to play out from the back where possible, but were unable to get a foothold in the game. Manager Gareth Taylor will come under increased pressure after another defeat - their third in five games.

Villa are in eighth place, where they started the match, but increased their lead over ninth-placed Everton to five points.

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