World News – AU – The standout Ella Toone kills Aston Villa Women as Manchester United extend their lead at the top

Hayley Ladd and Ella Toone score although United saw Jackie Groenen sent off with a head injury after just 10 minutes

Manchester United extended their lead in the Women’s Super League to four points ahead of Sunday’s game, setting a perfect away record with goals from Hayley Ladd and Ella Toone.

While another home defeat left Aston Villa two minutes from relegation, it was the home side that remained most encouraged.

« There are so many positives, » said manager Gemma Davies. “We have shown that we can keep up at this level and that we can take a lot of self-confidence and passion from performance. ”

In contrast, Casey Stoney said it was one of those days when « you get the three points ». Your team have also overcome the loss of midfielder Jackie Groenen after 10 minutes after a blow to the head. After a week of re-spotlight on concussion logs, the Netherlands international wanted to continue playing but was withdrawn on the orders of the United doctor.

Stoney added: “We weren’t at our best in the first half and we could have cashed. In the second we dominated without threatening as much as I would like. ”

How can this dichotomy be explained? Well, when Villa last hosted United in September 2018, they lost 12-0. Although the return was lost 5-0, Villa made so good progress that they replaced United as second division champions last season.

Her confidence was shown in her determination to play her normal game, passed out from behind while punishing her believers for the future, particularly Wednesday’s crucial relegation game against goalkeeper Bristol City.

In Shania Hayles, a selfless front runner, Caroline Siems who got on well with World Cup winner Tobin Heath and, until one late catastrophic mistake, goalkeeper Lisa Weiss, Villa also had three of the game’s best players.

While United took control early on and had several half chances, they actually were a helping hand to break through. Villa’s determination to play off always seemed a risk to the eager United press and so it turned out to be after 25 minutes. Anita Asante was robbed by Ella Toone, who played a quick one-two with James before finding Ladd. She picked Galton, drifted into space, and the winger skillfully converted.

Now the dam might break. But instead Villa should have leveled five minutes later. Siems released Hayles between Amy and Millie Turner, who were grateful that Mary Earps had saved their weak shot. From the contact line, Stoney yelled at her center-backs: « She’s gotten between you, that can’t happen. « .

United got closer, but so did Villa. It was only after the break that Weiss was stretched again and spread out to deny Toone after Heath’s exquisite release.

Villa replied again. Sophie Haywood’s cross was turned in by Hayles just for Millie Turner to deflect her onto the crossbar.

As if to be reminded that the game hadn’t been won, United pushed again, forcing a series of corners. James rattled the crossbar from 20 yards. Another turned down Jane Ross by a combination of Elisha N’Dow and Weiss.

Victory was only secured in the last few minutes when Weiss didn’t hit a hit hard enough and Toone shot into the empty net from 30 meters. It was a fair reward for Toone, the standout player of the day, but tough for Weiss and Villa.

Aston Villa (4-4-2): White; Franklin-Fraiture, N’Dow, Haigh, Siems; Follis (Silva, 57), Ewers (Syme, 80), Asante, Haywood (Arthur, 67); Hayles (Hutton, 80), Petzelberger. Villa: Arthur. Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Earps; Smith, A Turner, M Turner, Battle; Ladd, Groenen (Staniforth, 10); Heath, Toone, Galton; James (Ross, 80). Referee: A Byrne.

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