Aston Villa Women enter the new season needing to replace almost 43 per cent of their attacking output after Kirsty Hanson’s departure created a major problem for Natalia Arroyo.
The Guardian’s WSL season preview calculates that Hanson was responsible for nearly 43 per cent of Villa’s league goals last season.
That contribution left with the 28-year-old. Villa must now distribute responsibility across a rebuilt attack while also correcting the defensive problems behind last season’s ninth-place finish.
Arroyo has been given several new options, but opening matches against Chelsea and Manchester City will immediately reveal how quickly they have settled.
Aston Villa Women must spread Kirsty Hanson goals
Villa cannot expect one arrival to reproduce Hanson’s entire contribution. Their solution appears designed around creating goals from several positions.
Rachel Daly’s return to full fitness provides the clearest source of proven WSL output. The 34-year-old has also retired from international football, allowing her to place greater emphasis on recovery and her role as Villa captain. Daly recently explained her renewed club focus.
Amalie Vangsgaard adds senior experience through the centre, while Kamilla Melgård can operate in midfield or from a wide position. The Norwegian has already demonstrated her scoring threat during Villa’s 4-1 friendly victory over Paris FC.
Lily Murphy provides another direct option after joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester City. The England youth international suits Arroyo’s preference for fast attacks into the space behind opposing defences.
The potential is clear, but several of those players remain young or new to Arroyo’s system. Daly will carry substantial responsibility until the supporting forwards establish consistent production.
Defensive repair could transform Aston Villa Women
Replacing Hanson is only half of the challenge. Villa possessed the WSL’s second-worst defensive record last season, with only relegated Leicester conceding more goals.
The location of the chances allowed is particularly concerning. The Guardian reports that 75.9 per cent of the shots Villa conceded came from inside their penalty area. The league average was 68.6 per cent.
Mathilde Harviken has been signed to improve that record. The 24-year-old centre-back arrives from Juventus with a Serie A title and considerable international experience for Norway.
Her front-foot defending should help Villa interrupt attacks earlier. Goalkeeper Emily Ramsey will also have an important role in improving organisation around the penalty area.
A stronger defence would reduce the pressure on Arroyo’s new forwards. Villa scored more goals than six WSL teams last season, suggesting their final position was not caused by attacking weakness alone.
Chelsea opener will expose rebuild immediately
Pre-season has provided some encouragement. Villa followed their four-goal display against Paris FC with a competitive performance during a 3-1 defeat against European finalists OL Lyonnes.
Those matches have allowed Arroyo to begin establishing combinations within a squad featuring significant summer change.
Competitive football brings a harsher examination. Villa begin away to Chelsea on 5 September before hosting defending champions Manchester City eight days later, as confirmed by the club’s fixture announcement.
A slow start would be understandable against that opposition, but Villa need evidence that the rebuild can eventually lift them beyond ninth.
Replacing 43 per cent of their goals is a considerable task. Combining a fit Daly with greater defensive control gives Arroyo a credible route towards solving it.
