Aston Villa's hopes of a WSL title win were dealt a severe blow as London City Lionesses took advantage of their opponents' defensive weaknesses to secure a convincing 3-1 victory. Saki Kumagai was the star performer for the home side, scoring two crucial headers in the process.
The Japanese forward put her side ahead in the 11th minute with a beautifully curled shot from outside the box that found its way past the Aston Villa goalkeeper. The Lionesses doubled their lead just before halftime as Kumagai collected a pass on the edge of the area and slotted it past the Villa defender with ease.
The visitors were given hope by a well-taken equalizer in the 55th minute, but London City's attacking prowess soon reasserted itself. Substitute Chloe Kelly sealed the win for her side in the 85th minute, adding to Kumagai's earlier efforts.
The result sees London City Lionesses move up to fifth place in the WSL table, while Aston Villa drop below them and continue their quest for a championship title.
The Japanese forward put her side ahead in the 11th minute with a beautifully curled shot from outside the box that found its way past the Aston Villa goalkeeper. The Lionesses doubled their lead just before halftime as Kumagai collected a pass on the edge of the area and slotted it past the Villa defender with ease.
The visitors were given hope by a well-taken equalizer in the 55th minute, but London City's attacking prowess soon reasserted itself. Substitute Chloe Kelly sealed the win for her side in the 85th minute, adding to Kumagai's earlier efforts.
The result sees London City Lionesses move up to fifth place in the WSL table, while Aston Villa drop below them and continue their quest for a championship title.
I mean what even is the point of it all? We're supposed to be investing in women's football but instead we're getting more games that are basically just a reminder that London City Lionesses are on fire 
and Aston Villa can't even get their act together 
. I love Saki Kumagai she's literally the real deal 
, that shot was insane... like seriously what kind of goalkeeper does not score from 25 yards out?! 
, that goal was so satisfying to watch. I swear if London City can keep this up they're gonna take the title and I'm just over here living for it 
, I mean two goals? That girl is UNSTOPPABLE!!! 
. Can't wait to see how Aston Villa bounces back from this one 
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I cant even right now!!! London City Lionesses is on FIRE 
! Saki Kumagai is like a total genius on the field 
her skills are insane!!! I mean who else can score 2 goals in one game and still look that good while doing it 
? The way she curled that shot past Aston Villa's goalie was pure magic 
. And Chloe Kelly sealing the win for London City with a well-taken goal... I'm dead 
. This is like, total Lionesses fan heaven 
can't wait to see what they do next!
But hey, can't blame them for winning, right? 
. I mean, a 3-1 scoreline just doesn't sit right when you consider how many other teams are getting destroyed by those same defensive weaknesses. Aston Villa played with heart, for sure, but London City's attack was kinda underwhelming if you ask me... they should've capitalized on those chances sooner! 
And what's up with the refs letting that free kick go in? Saki Kumagai's two goals were great and all, but let's not forget about that other Lioness who missed a sick chance earlier 
. I MEAN, COME ON, THEY'VE GOT SOME TALENTED PLAYERS ON THAT TEAM, BUT THEY JUST CAN'T SEEM TO GET IT TOGETHER 
. Saki Kumagai is like a superstar out there - her goal-scoring skills are insane! 
️ I mean, two headers in one game? That's what we call confidence 
. You can tell that Kumagai and her team have been working hard to perfect their game plan 
.
. It's awesome to see talented players like Chloe Kelly getting recognition for their skills 
. The competition is getting fiercer every season, and I can only expect more thrilling matches ahead 
!
I'm shocked by how fast London City Lionesses are rising up the table! They definitely deserved that 3-1 win over Aston Villa 
. Saki Kumagai is on fire right now 
. The London City Lionesses are definitely a team to watch out for this season, their attacking gameplay is so fluid and fun to watch 
️. Aston Villa's defense needs a serious overhaul, they got carved up by Kumagai and the rest of the Lionesses 
. I'm not surprised they dropped below them in the table though, those injuries are taking a toll on the team...
I'm lovin' her style out there on the pitch, the way she's just slapping that ball into the net like it owes her money 
. The whole team played so well, but they really needed to tighten up their defense a bit because Villa was giving them all sorts of trouble 
. I mean, I get that it's just like regular football, but there are these specialized teams called Lionesses? And they have players with names like Saki Kumagai? It sounds like something from a Japanese anime 
she's got some serious skill on her feet. But you can't blame Aston Villa for pushing hard, they're trying to make a last-minute push for that title. London City just needs to keep the pressure on and stay consistent 
. It's gonna be an intense end to the season, I'm hyped! 
That Aston Villa team must've been worried sick by halftime 
. And don't even get me started on Chloe Kelly's goal in the 85th minute... total game-changer 
. I'm starting to think London City has what it takes to give those top teams a run for their money this season 
I hope Saki Kumagai can bring home some trophies for her team soon, girl crush