By Aston Villa FC

Carla Ward is keen to remind her players of the progress that has been made in recent weeks, following Aston Villa's 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday evening.

Goals from Jelena Čanković, Guro Reiten and Sam Kerr at Poundland Bescot Stadium proved too much for Villa as Chelsea's title charge continued.

Ward was, admittedly, in rueful mood immediately after the game.

“Opportunity missed," the manager bluntly said.

"A difficult evening against a top, top side."

"They’re champions for a reason, but we felt we didn’t give the best account of ourselves."

"There were a lot of contributing factors to that. Hopefully this hurt… we can use that in the cup.”

CarlaQuotes2.jpg

Despite Chelsea's European exertion just three days prior, they asserted their authority from the first whistle against a Villa side who were left a little shell-shocked.

“Chelsea came flying out of the blocks, which you wouldn’t expect after 120 minutes [on Thursday]," admitted Ward.

"I think we rode the early storm, we were just a little bit sloppy in the first half."

"I think we showed them a little too much respect, but my players have been excellent for months."

"It’s my job to remind them of their qualities and that they’re ready to go after the international break.”

You can watch Carla Ward's post-match interview, in full, below.