Vivianne Miedema’s first-half double saw Manchester City come from behind to win 4-2 at Aston Villa to move to within six points of Chelsea at the top of the Women’s Super League.
The Netherlands international, who has struggled with injury this season, was pivotal in Gareth Taylor’s side responding to Chasity Grant’s thumping sixth-minute opener with two goals in quick succession of contrasting quality.
Miedema’s first was a simple, composed finish after Danielle Turner’s stray pass went straight to the City forward, while her second just seven minutes later was a thing of beauty as she curled a shot into the top righthand corner from 20 yards out.
Villa – playing for the final time under interim boss Shaun Goater, Taylor’s former assistant and City team-mate, before new boss Natalia Arroyo takes charge – subsequently got back on level terms through Laia Aleixandri’s own goal in the opening minute of the second half.
Mary Fowler then scored a superb goal in the 54th minute and Jess Park added a fourth just past the hour for City, who move back into the Champions League places, up from fourth to second, six points behind leaders Chelsea ahead of them hosting third-placed Arsenal on Sunday.
Vivianne Miedema is congratulated after equalising for Man City at Aston Villa
Miedema: I feel strong
Vivianne Miedema on Sky Sports:
“I feel really good at the moment and I knew it [the second goal] was going in and was just happy we went 2-1 up, but we made it hard for ourselves.
Vivianne Miedema scores from long range to give Man City a 2-1 lead against Aston Villa
“I feel like I have done the right things this time around [in rehab] and I feel strong and good at the minute and hopefully we can build from this.”
