Following their 2–4 defeat against Spurs last Sunday, Aston Villa manager Carla Ward was  asked about her future at the club after the side’s poor start to the season. Explaining that “the board will make the decision that they feel best”, she noted that only “time will tell” as to whether the Villa bosses back their manager and her plans for the team. After four straight  losses, there’s no doubt that Ward faces pressure to improve, and improve quickly. But with  her record last season, as well as some strong performances and a squad building back up to  full strength, Ward remains the right person for the job. Here’s why:  

Ward in 2022/23  

Carla Ward arrived to Villa in May 2021, following her resignation from WSL rivals Birmingham City. After a 9th placed finish in her debut season as manager, Ward triumphed  last year as Villa ended the 22/23 campaign in 5th place, 10 points behind Manchester City, and earned a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals. On the back of a transfer window that left fans eagerly anticipating the fresh start, Ward found star power in Rachel Daly following her move from Houston Dash. The Lioness grabbed the Golden Boot and was named WSL Player of the  Season, after netting 22 goals in 22 games — more than Villa managed in total the year  before. A major turning point for the club, Ward made a definitive stand in her role as manager, proving her side can score goals and fight for the top spots.  

Even with pressure mounting, it’s clear that the manager is determined to stand with Villa for as long as possible.

While Daly’s arrival couldn’t be topped, Ward did not fail to secure crucial players in the most recent transfer window. The recruitment of striker Ebony Salmon from Houston Dash was key for Villa, particularly with her role on the wing. Netherlands keeper Daphne van  Domselaar was added to the mix after her pivotal performance for the Dutch at the World Cup, while defender Lucy Parker joined the club on a two-year-contract to strengthen the back line. Add Anna Patten and Adriana Leon into the mix, and it’s clear that Ward is  determined to give Villa the greatest chance at another strong season. The manager herself chose to extend her contract, adding another two years to her tenure and demonstrating her commitment to the side — Ward said herself on Sunday that she “will turn over every stone”  to try and better her team. Even with pressure mounting, it’s clear that the manager is determined to stand with Villa for as long as possible.  

Heavy opening run of fixtures  

Context is important, particularly when comparing Villa’s start last season to their opening  run this time round. To come up against two out of the top four within a month of the WSL’s return, as well as facing Chelsea beyond the international break, Ward’s first six weeks back on the touchline were never going to be smooth-sailing — to use her words, they were going  to be “politely put, horrific”.  

To have such intense clashes so close together will always leave potential for increased  scrutiny should things not go to plan. But Ward reminded fans that as Villa entered the Christmas break last year with only 11 points, pundits were commenting on a solid first half  of the season for the team. Beyond Chelsea, Ward can certainly see things improving. The manager explained that games following the 4th of November are “all where we should pick  up points”, with winnable fixtures alongside the continuation of the Conti Cup.  

It is also worth remembering that Villa have not been the only side to fall short of expectations so far. The season has provided multiple shocks, particularly Arsenal’s 0–1 loss to Liverpool at the Emirates, Spurs’ performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and a tight game between the Gunners and Bristol City last weekend. As has been noted by several  managers, the WSL is growing in its competitiveness, leaving ‘sure-things’ at the door and the potential for drama at each fixture. Ward’s Villa might have had an unexpected start, but the season is anything but certain — meaning we cannot rule out a comeback from her and her team.  

Villa have not been the only side to fall short of expectations so far.

Unlucky with squad depth so far  

Ward has also faced the task of navigating intense opening fixtures with a squad lacking in crucial players. Kenza Dali arrived back to the UK carrying an injury picked up down under, and has been absent for all four of Villa’s meetings so far. Dali’s absence has had a key impact on Daly’s form, according to Ward, with the manager describing the pair as “like clockwork” last season. Ward hinted that Dali’s return could come in time for the matchup with Chelsea next week, which would provide the side with a huge boost as they face the four-time WSL champions.  

Villa were faced with even more chaos following Kirsty Hanson’s red card against  Manchester United on opening weekend. The straight red, shown to Hanson for a high tackle on Hayley Ladd, resulted in an automatic three-match-ban for the Scottish international, causing her to miss out on fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal and Spurs. Vital to Villa’s  success last year, Hanson scored eight goals and registered nine assists in the 22/23 season,  many of which provided Daly with crucial opportunities in front of goal. Without both Hanson and Dali, it’s no wonder Daly and Ward have struggled over the last month.  

A run of illness among the squad has impacted Ward’s team selection further, with Georgia Mullett only returning for Sunday’s match-up with Spurs following a two-week absence. Maz Pacheco also suffered with illness in the run up to an intense opening month, leaving the Villa manager with little wiggle room. With the return of players beyond the international break, Ward should be back to full strength for the first time this season, allowing the manager a  chance to further prove why she’s the right person for the job.  

A run of illness among the squad has impacted Ward’s team selection further

Performing well despite results  

Perhaps more important than all, Villa have continued to put up a fight throughout their first  meetings. There may have been little in their performance against Liverpool, and to lose  against Spurs certainly would have stung, but Villa proved a force to be reckoned with against Man United as the WSL returned. Daly’s opening goal demonstrated Villa’s credentials as the side fought on following Hanson’s red card, and their display had the potential to put a dampener on United’s title-search.  

Even more impressively, Villa took a first-half lead against Arsenal away from home two weeks later, and looked to be on track for their first win of the season after putting up a near 90 minute defence. The side has shown character throughout their first four weeks of the new season, while Ward has had to navigate her way through tough clashes with a disjointed and partial squad. Hosting Chelsea may bring about more despair, but Ward has demonstrated her desire to work tirelessly, and ensure that Villa emerge from this season with a reputation to be proud of.

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