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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Suzanne Wrack at Stamford Bridge

Own goal and inspired debut from keeper Akane Okuma earn Villa point at Chelsea

The Aston Villa goalkeeper Akane Okuma (second left) is embraced by three of her teammates, including the defender Mathilde Harviken (right), after her team's 1-1 draw away at Chelsea in the Women's Super League.
Akane Okuma produced nine saves to keep Aston Villa in the game in their season opener at Chelsea. Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images/Reuters

A Veerle Buurman own goal punished a profligate Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, securing a point for Aston Villa in a frustrating start to the hosts’ push to win back the WSL title.

How Villa came away with a point having conceded 65% possession and having amassed just seven shots to Chelsea’s 34 and five touches in the opposition box to the home team’s 57 is somewhat inexplicable.

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