Arsenal 0-0 Aston Villa

Aston Villa Women maintained their status in the Barclays FA Women's Super League on Sunday, drawing 0-0 with Arsenal at Meadow Park.

Villa defended superbly throughout as they limited the third-place Gunners to very little clear-cut opportunities.

The result ensured safety for Marcus Bignot's side, as they also leapfrogged Birmingham City on the final day of the WSL season.

Villa entered the weekend knowing a draw would seal their safety, and captain Marisa Ewers was brought back into the starting XI to aid the survival bid.

As has been the case in recent weeks, the team started the game with plenty of spirit and endeavour.

Stine Larsen covered every blade of grass from the first second and led the line in exemplary fashion.

The threat of Joe Montemurro's side, however, was not to be overlooked.

Vivianne Miedema, gunning for the golden boot award, found herself inside the penalty area but was thwarted expertly by Lisa Weiß.

The German goalkeeper would only be seriously threatened once more, again by Miedema, but stood firm in denying the Dutch forward.

The second half wore on in tense circumstances, but Villa continued to match Arsenal's every move as they edged closer to achieving their goal.

Changes were made by Bignot as legs started to tire, with Nadine Hanssen, Ramona Petzelberger and Emily Syme all entering the fray.

Syme, in particular, looked determined to nick a winner as she burst down the left-hand side on a couple of occasions.

The hosts would sniff out any attempt of an attack on their goal, though.

Mana Iwabuchi came on in place of Jodie Hutton with five minutes of additional time flashing up on the fourth official's board.

Villa were not to be beaten, and the referee's final whistle was met with pure elation.

Job done. Safety secured. Next season in the Barclays FA Women's Super League awaits.