That’s all from me!
Manchester City fall at the final hurdle as Chelsea claim their fifth successive WSL title. I’ll leave you with Sophie Downey’s match report from Villa Park.
Thank you for reading, see you next season!
Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor tells BBC Sport: “I’m so enthusiastic about the way we played today. A lot of the stuff we did was really good. That’s what inspires me to get up in the morning and fight for next season’s title.”
Manchester City have just announced that Ellie Roebuck, Demi Stokes, Ruby Mace and Filippa Angeldahl will leave the club this summer.
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Following her final match with Aston Villa, manager Carla Ward told BBC Sport: “At half-time we weren’t happy, I thought we were too passive but they were still hurting us and creating chances. Disappointing because we wanted to get something.
“I’m delighted with the last three years but I’m delighted that we’ve done a job today.”
Discussing her Villa departure, she continued: “It’s been tough because I love the club, I love the fans, I love the players. I’m knackered, I really am. My daughter doesn’t see me enough.
“I think I need a bit of a breather and to spend the summer holidays with her. I won’t be away long, I was stood on the sideline thinking ‘you love it’ but I’ll be back for sure.”
“When you get a second chance, make sure you don’t need a third.”
Those were the words of Chelsea manager Emma Hayes this week. Hayes surrendered the WSL title following her team’s shock defeat to Liverpool earlier this month. But following a stunning 8-0 win over Bristol she proudly claimed: “It’s not f***ing over”.
After that moment, the Blues stepped it up another gear or two. They were absolutely relentless against Manchester United this afternoon, winning 6-0 to clinch their fifth consecutive WSL title in sensational style.
Perhaps Manchester City’s lack of experience played a part, but it is a huge testament to everything Hayes has achieved with Chelsea.
It wasn’t the fairytale ending she would’ve hoped for, but Steph Houghton leaves Manchester City a legend. The defender receives a standing ovation from the entire stadium as she makes her way around the pitch.
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Just two weeks ago, Manchester City had one hand on the trophy. But a late collapse against Arsenal let Chelsea back into the title race. That was a crucial turning point in this season’s run-in.
Those ‘what ifs’ will be running through the minds of those City stars for a long time.
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Chelsea are WSL champions!
That result means Chelsea have officially secured the WSL title once again! A fantastic end to another fantastic WSL season.
Full-time: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester City
Manchester City win today, but fall at the final hurdle of a thrilling title race.
90+5 min: They might be 2-1 up, but Manchester City look completely defeated. It’s been a great season for Gareth Taylor’s side, but they will finish the campaign trophyless.
90+2 min: Houghton steps up to take the free kick, but fires her shot directly into the claret wall.
90+1 min: Parker receives the first yellow card of the match for a challenge on Blindkilde Brown. Manchester City now have a free kick in a threatening position.
Six minutes have been added on.
90 min: Another change for Manchester City as Kelly makes way for Demi Stokes.
89 min: It’s SIX for Chelsea at Old Trafford. The WSL trophy is making its way to Manchester.
87 min: Gregory receives the ball in plenty of space on the left before going for goal, but Keating makes a strong save at the near post.
85 min: Carla Ward makes two changes as Freya Gregory replaces Hanson and Maz Pacheco comes on for Turner.
Five minutes to play.
83 min: Manchester City appeal for a penalty as Aleixandri goes to ground in the box following a challenge from Daly, but the referee dismisses all claims.
81 min: Manchester City have a free kick on the left. Kelly sends the ball into a dangerous position, but Leat comes off her line to claim it.
78 min: Fowler receives the ball on the right before crossing it into the box. Hemp sticks a leg out and manages to deflect it past Leat and into the net.
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester City (Hemp, 76)
Hemp puts City back in front, but it’s likely too little too late.
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75 min: Leila Ouahabi, who has replaced Casparij, cuts inside from the left and squares the ball across goal to Blindkilde Brown. The midfielder shoots, but Leat makes another brilliant save.
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72 min: Huge chance for City as Leat’s wayward pass falls straight to the feet of Hemp in the box. The winger goes for goal, but Leat makes up for the error with a great save!
69 min: Daly makes the most of Manchester City’s high defensive line by making a run in behind to receive a great pass from Dali. She carries the ball into the box before slotting it past Keating. Carla Ward is absolutely thrilled!
GOAL! Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester City (Daly, 68)
Daly levels it! City’s title hopes are all-but destroyed.
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67 min: Cheers ring around the stadium every time Houghton receives the ball. The defender is receiving praise from both sets of fans in her final outing as a player.
65 min: A huge round of applause echoes around Villa Park as Steph Houghton makes her way onto the pitch for her final Manchester City appearance. She replaces Kennedy and receives the captain’s armband from Greenwood.
63 min: Casparij cuts inside from the right and sends a cross into the box. Her City team-mates fail to get onto the end of it and Maritz sends the ball behind for a corner. Once again, the set piece is wasted and Villa can clear.
60 min: Daly is back on her feet and able to continue, much to the relief of Villa fans.
58 min: Daly is down and receiving treatment for what appears to be a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Rachel Corsie is on to replace Mayling and Lehmann makes way for Adriana Leon.
55 min: Blindkilde Brown plays the ball though to Hemp in the box, who goes for goal, but Turner deflects it out for a corner. Nothing comes of the set piece.
54 min: Heads must be starting to drop on the Manchester City bench. The visitors need seven goals which, at this stage, is very unrealistic.
51 min: It’s FIVE for Chelsea. They are running riot down the road at Old Trafford.
50 min: We’re five minutes into this second half and Manchester City have already had four shots. Hemp goes for goal from outside the box, but it’s a simple save for Leat.
It’s not hard to imagine what Gareth Taylor told his players at half-time.
48 min: Aston Villa go on the attack as Hanson makes a run down the left. She crosses it into Daly, but the striker can’t direct her header on target.
47 min: Aleixandri goes for goal with an audacious strike from distance, but her effort flies over the crossbar.
46 min: Aston Villa made one change at the break, with Lucy Parker replacing Taylor.
Kick-off: Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester City
We’re back under way. City need SIX goals in this half - will they manage it?
While we wait for the second half to start, make sure you are signed up to our weekly women’s football newsletter Moving the Goalposts.
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Sarah Rendell is following all the action from Old Trafford in our other live blog. She says: “Chelsea are in cruise control at Old Trafford. Quick fire goals from Mayra Ramirez and Johanna Kaneryd set the tempo. United looked to be growing into the game with Maya Le Tissier hitting the woodwork but the Blues shut it down with goals from Sjoeke Nusken and Ramirez. Chelsea putting on a champions performance and Manchester United look like a ghost of the team from last Sunday.”
Manchester City had 10 shots in that first half, four were on target but they only have a slender one-goal advantage. They now have a huge mountain to climb in the title race. The absence of Khadija Shaw has been evident for Gareth Taylor’s side. They have really lacked that cutting edge.
Half-time: Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester City
Manchester City lead, but they have a mountain to climb in the title race.
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45+3 min: It’s 4-0 Chelsea now. Surely it’s all over. Manchester City need a miracle in the second half.
45+2 min: Kelly sends a free kick into the box from midfield. Kennedy gets her head to it but her attempt on goal is off-target.
45+1 min: Chance for Aston Villa as Daly sends the ball over to Dali, who goes for goal but fires her shot over the crossbar.
Three minutes have been added on…
45 min: Chelsea are now 3-0 up at Old Trafford! City’s title hopes are slowly fading away.
44 min: Manchester City have really slowed the tempo in the last few minutes. They seem to be struggling find a gap in the Villa defence.
41 min: We’re into the final five minutes of this first half. Manchester City need a goal, ideally before the break.
38 min: Another big chance for City! Fowler cuts inside from the right and finds Blindkilde Brown in the penalty area. The midfielder goes for goal first time, but her effort shakes the crossbar! Manchester City may come to regret these missed chances later today…
35 min: Blindkilde Brown sends a pass to Hemp on the left. She cuts inside and looks to set the ball back to the edge of the penalty area, but Dali picks it up instead.
33 min: With just over 10 minutes to play in this first half, Manchester City have the momentum. They need another goal before the break, especially with Chelsea still 2-0 up against Manchester United.
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30 min: Casparij is given plenty of space to make a run forward with the ball. She plays it through to Fowler who looks to square it across goal. Her pass finds Hemp and the winger goes for goal, but Mayling makes a sensational block on the edge of the six-yard box to keep it out!
29 min: Park receives a pass on the halfway line and plays the ball through to Hemp, who makes a run in behind the Villa defence, but Leat comes out to collect.
28 min: A fire has been ignited for Manchester City. Gareth Taylor’s side have upped the intensity and are now really piling the pressure on Aston Villa.
25 min: Another big chance for Manchester City. Blindkilde Brown, who has been brilliant since coming on, receives the ball in midfield before gliding past Taylor and sending a great pass through to Park. The England star carries it into the box and goes for goal but forces a save from Leat.
23 min: Hemp picks up the ball on the left and sends a low driven cross into the box. Fowler controls it with her first touch before placing her shot into the bottom-right corner!
Kelly immediately picks up the ball and sprints back to the halfway line. Game on!
GOAL! Aston Villa 0-1 Manchester City (Fowler, 21)
City are on the board! Fowler with the strike! Hope has been restored!
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20 min: Manchester City win a free kick on the right following a foul on Casparij. Kelly sends it into the box and Kennedy goes for goal with a header, but her effort rattles the bar!
The best chance of the match so far!
18 min: Blindkilde Brown plays a shot pass through to Hemp in the box, who goes for goal, but her effort is saved by Leat.
The corner is sent into the penalty area, but nothing comes of it.
16 min: Chance for City now as Kelly receives the ball in the penalty area and goes for goal with a half-volley, but her attempt is off-target.
15 min: Manchester City midfielder Coombs hobbles off with what looks to be an ankle or achilles injury. She is replaced by Laura Blindkilde Brown.
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14 min: Coombs is receiving treatment from the City medical staff. Replays show she went down off the ball, which is always a huge concern.
12 min: Coombs is down and struggling with a knock. The midfielder attempted to get to her feet while her team were in possession but couldn’t. This doesn’t look good at all.
10 min: Manchester City are struggling to break through this Aston Villa defence. The hosts have done a great job keeping City at bay so far.
9 min: It gets worse for City – Chelsea are now 2-0 up! Gareth Taylor’s side now have to score FIVE.
6 min: Chance for City now as Kelly plays a one-two with Park before crossing the ball to Hemp, but the winger fails to challenge Leat with her shot.
4 min: Huge chance for Aston Villa! Maritz sends a great pass over to Dali, who makes her way to the edge of the penalty area before crossing the ball in to Daly. The striker goes for goal with a header, but her effort flies over the crossbar.
3 min: Not the news Manchester City fans will want to hear – Chelsea are 1-0 up already at Old Trafford!
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2 min: A positive start for Man City as Hemp is sent down the left, but Patten gets across to shield the ball out for a goal kick.
Kick-off
We’re under way at Villa Park for the final time this season!
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The teams are out. The atmosphere is electric. Kick-off is just a few minutes away!
How things stand:
Chelsea and Manchester City are level on points, with Emma Hayes’ side only leading on goal difference.
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelsea Women | 21 | 47 | 52 |
| 2 | Man City Women | 21 | 45 | 52 |
| 3 | Arsenal Women | 21 | 28 | 47 |
| 4 | Liverpool FC Women | 21 | 4 | 38 |
| 5 | Man Utd Women | 21 | 16 | 35 |
Speaking ahead of today’s match, Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor said: “The players are hungry, I can see the light in their eyes. The spirit has been good. They’re ready for this game.
“We are really good. We have had a good couple of weeks since the previous game. Our levels are really good and we are super focused on what we have to do.”
He continued: “Our objective is to try and score as many as we can and concede as few as we can. That sounds simple. We never play for a point. We’ve done that really well this season, scored more than four in 10 games out of 21 this season.
“We have more than enough in our ranks to do what we need to. It would be huge. There is no denying it.”
Ahead of today’s match, Aston Villa manager Carla Ward said: “If you had told me that after three years I would have the full support of the club, players and the fans, I would have laughed.
“We have been through a lot and are so tight-knit. I have never felt support quite like it and that’s why I love the club, and will forever love the club. Who knows what the future will hold now.
“When I came into this club there was one cabin outside that had a changing room, gym and a staff office. Now we’ve got a big building here, a couple of others outside, our own gym, player areas and have maximised on and off the pitch massively.
“We have attracted some of the best players in the women’s game and we’ve put Aston Villa on the map. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved here.
“We’ve had some great times. It’s one last dance at the weekend.”
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Race for the Golden Boot
Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw, who will not feature today due to a foot injury, is currently leading the WSL Golden Boot race with 21 goals - eight more than joint-second-placed Lauren James and Elisabeth Terland.
1 - Khadija Shaw (21 goals)
2 - Lauren James (13 goals)
2 - Elisabeth Terland (13 goals)
4 - Aggie Beever-Jones (11 goals)
5 - Lauren Hemp (10 goals)
5 - Alessia Russo (10 goals)
Chelsea face Manchester United at Old Trafford in another huge match this afternoon, also kicking off at 3pm BST. Sarah Rendell is keeping tabs on that one in our other WSL live blog.
Chelsea’s WSL season in numbers:
Games played - 21
Wins - 17
Draws - 1
Defeats - 3
Goals scored - 65
Goals conceded - 18
Days at the top of the table - 153
Manchester City’s WSL season in numbers:
Games played - 21
Wins - 17
Draws - 1
Defeats - 3
Goals scored - 59
Goals conceded - 14
Days at the top of the table - 64
This will be Steph Houghton’s final match as a Manchester City player. The defender announced her retirement from professional football in March, marking the end of her incredible playing career.
Discussing what it would mean if City win the WSL title in her final game, Houghton said: “It would be the fairytale ending, to be able to lift the trophy and go out on a massive high. I know especially the likes of 2018 and 2019 we were so close to winning. There’s a good feeling around the camp so that would be the most amazing thing if we could go and do that [win the league] this season.”
Team News
Aston Villa starting XI: Anna Leat; Sarah Mayling, Anna Patten, Danielle Turner, Noelle Maritz; Miri Taylor, Jordan Nobbs; Kenza Dali, Kirsty Hanson, Alisha Lehmann; Rachel Daly (C). Substitutes: Rachel Corsie, Freya Gregory, Lucy Parker, Ebony Salmon, Georgia Mullett, Simone Magill, Adriana Leon, Maz Pacheco, Ruby-Rae Tucker.
Your final Aston Villa team of the season! 👊 #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/PbDyi5h0yR
— Aston Villa Women (@AVWFCOfficial) May 18, 2024
Manchester City starting XI: Khiara Keating; Laia Aleixandri, Alex Greenwood (C), Alanna Kennedy, Kerstin Casparij; Laura Coombs, Yui Hasegawa, Jess Park; Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Mary Fowler. Substitutes: Katie Startup, Demi Stokes, Steph Houghton, Filippa Angeldahl, Esme Morgan, Leila Ouahabi, Poppy Pritchard, Laura Blindkilde Brown, Ruby Mace.
Your final City line-up of the season! 🩵
— Man City Women (@ManCityWomen) May 18, 2024
XI | Keating, Aleixandri, Greenwood, Coombs, Fowler, Kelly, Hemp, Park, Casparij, Hasegawa, Kennedy
SUBS | Startup, Stokes, Houghton, Angeldahl, Morgan, Ouahabi, Pritchard, Blindkilde Brown, Mace#ManCity | @etihad pic.twitter.com/56xJmZHII1
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England legend and former Manchester City star Ellen White believes the WSL title is Chelsea’s to lose. She told BBC Sport: “It all comes down to this one game, the last game of the season. Chelsea just need to get those three points and City maybe need to get three points and a few more goals. The pressure of City going out and not thinking about goal difference because if you have that in your head, it’s all-consuming. It’s just about getting the three points and whoever can deal with that pressure will win it.”
Football fans, how do you think today will pan out? Who will lift the WSL trophy? Feel free to email in with your predictions. I’ll be here with you all afternoon!
Title permutations:
If Man City lose or draw and Chelsea win, then Chelsea win
If Chelsea lose or draw but Man City win, then City win
If they both draw, Chelsea will win on goal difference
If Chelsea draw but Man City lose, Chelsea win
If Man City draw but Chelsea lose, City win
If both clubs win their respective games it will come down to goal difference
If both clubs lose their respective games it will come down to goal difference
So, here we go! Manchester City and Chelsea go into their respective games level on points. That means City have to beat Aston Villa by two goals at the very least to stand a chance at the title. Meanwhile, Chelsea have to beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. If Emma Hayes’ side can maintain that two-goal advantage, they will lift the trophy this afternoon.
Preamble
Hello, good afternoon and welcome to coverage of Aston Villa vs Manchester City.
We have reached the final day of the WSL season and all eyes are on title challengers City and Chelsea. Both teams are level on points, with Gareth Taylor’s side trailing the reigning champions by just two goals.
Will Manchester City win their first league title in eight years? Or will Emma Hayes have her fairytale ending with the Blues? We will find out in just a few hours!
Regardless of the result, it will also be a day to remember for Aston Villa manager Carla Ward who will step down from her position after the match. Ward could go out with a huge bang by putting a shock end to City’s title hopes at Villa Park.
It’s all to play for today! Kick-off is at 3pm BST - this is certainly one you do not want to miss!
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