Carla Ward insists her Aston Villa Women side have ‘got to keep improving’ after maintaining their unbeaten start to the 2021/22 season.
Emily Gielnik’s first goal for the club ensured a 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, a result which gives Villa seven points from their opening three games.
And Ward was full of praise for her squad afterwards.
“That was an outstanding performance from every single player,” the manager stated.
“I thought they were exceptional.
“From the moment we arrived their attitude has been first class.
“That was the performance of the season so far.”
Sunday’s performance was a welcome one in many ways, but a pleasing aspect was Villa’s faster start in comparison to their first two games against Leicester City and West Ham United.
After falling behind against the Foxes and the Hammers, Sunday’s first-half display against the Seagulls gave Villa a platform to grab all three points.
“We addressed what we felt was the reason we’ve been starting slow,” admitted Ward.
“Off the pitch we had to adapt and amend a couple of things.
“We also changed a couple of things in our gameplan, we wanted to get on the front foot more and get in their faces.”
The manager singled out Gielnik for some special praise after the Australian international scored on just her second appearance for the club.
The 29-year-old opened her account for the Villans in some style, curling past the ‘keeper after picking up the ball just past the halfway line.
“The way she [Emily] took it was absolutely sensational – that’s a striker’s finish,” beamed Ward.
“She was brilliant today. I’m really pleased for her because it’s important to get your first goal.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s fixture at Villa Park against Arsenal, the boss urged her side to remain calm despite their rapid start.
“We’ve still got work to do, we’ve got to keep improving. We have to build on it. We have to keep ourselves grounded.”
