'It's not Chelsea's standard' - McCabe on 'frustrating' draw against Aston Villa

Aston Villa head coach Natalia Arroyo has hinted at a "new look" for the team ahead of their season opener against Chelsea in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Speaking to the media, Arroyo expressed her optimism about the upcoming season, praising the mix of talent, experience, ambition, and new energy that the team will bring to the league.

The Villans, who have signed eight new permanent players, aim to provide depth across the squad, with Mia McAuley, Amelie Vangsgaard, and Kamilla Melgård joining Lily Murphy in bolstering the attacking line following the departure of goalscorer Kirsty Hanson. Arroyo acknowledged the departure of Hanson, expressing respect for her former player while emphasizing that the team's focus is on the future.

She also discussed the challenges of facing Chelsea, a team that has undergone its own personnel changes over the summer, and the possibility of numerous substitutions in their first game together. Arroyo stressed the importance of consistency in training and highlighted the team's goal of competing every weekend while aiming to improve their position in the table step-by-step.