Noelle Maritz scored her first goal for the club but Aston Villa Women had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in the Women's Super League. Abbie Larkin's 74th-minute equaliser denied Villa all three points at home on Sunday.
Natalia Arroyo's side, who remain 12th in the table with three points from five games, took the lead ten minutes after the break. Chasity Grant drove forward from midfield and found Maritz, who finished clinically from inside the area. The goal was a reward for Villa's dominance in possession, which they held at 59 percent throughout the match.
Crystal Palace grew into the game and found their leveller with sixteen minutes remaining. A swift counter-attack ended with Larkin firing past goalkeeper Akane Okuma to make it 1-1. Villa made a flurry of late changes, introducing Maya Hijikata, Georgia Mullett, Lily Murphy and Rachel Maltby, but could not find a winner. Palace's Lexi Lloyd-Smith was booked for a first-half foul.
The point extends Villa's unbeaten run in the league to two matches, following their 3-1 win over Newcastle United. They will now prepare for a tough home fixture against sixth-placed Liverpool on October 18.
Aston Villa have sacked manager Natalia Arroyo, the club confirmed on October 6. The decision came after a 4-0 defeat at Tottenham on September 27. Villa, who are 12th with three points from five games, said, "Everyone at Aston Villa would like to thank Natalia for her efforts." Technical adviser Brian Sørensen will take temporary charge, including for the Subway Players Cup tie against Newcastle on October 7.
