Key talking points from our win over Liverpool

Aston Villa Women showed plenty of grit on Sunday afternoon as they battled from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Women's Super League.

After weathering a storm in the first half the side mounted an impressive second half fight back to take maximum points at Keys Park.

Chasity Grant and Océane Deslandes provided the goals to reward a resilient collective effort in front of a jubilant home crowd in Hednesford.

Here's a run down of the key talking points from our first league win of the season...

Grant glitters

Grant produced a glittering player of the match performance on the left wing, causing havoc for the Liverpool defence long before her stunning equalising goal in the 61st minute.

The Dutch international had 201 touches throughout the game, yielding four successful dribbles, and five shots. The one shot that hit the target with was a stunner, flying across goal into the top corner.

The strike was the culmination of a superb counter-attacking goal, set off at one end by goalkeeper Akane Okuma's quick thinking and accurate throw, to the other where Grant arrowed into the net.

Grant's endless running proved equally as effective at the back end of the pitch, as she made 13 defensive recoveries, six tackles and two clearances.

Determined Defence

While the second half attacking efforts will take the headlines, the Villa victory on Sunday was underscored by another resilient defensive display. 

Although Liverpool enjoyed 67% of possession, the Villa back line limited them to 0.86 expected goals from open play, and were only breached by a 35-yard wonder strike from Natalia Ramos. 

The home side worked diligently across the 94 minutes, making 23 clearances, seven interceptions and five blocks in total. 

Villa shot stopper Okuma also made eight saves, including one in the third minute of stoppage time to deny Vivien Endemann a late Liverpool leveller.

Super Substitutes

A half time reshuffle prompted a turn in fortunes after a tough first half. 

Rofiat Imuran came on for her Villa debut and Oriane Jean-François made her first appearance of the season as part of a change of shape, as the team looked to show more intent and energy in attack.

Imuran combined well with Grant as Villa found increasing joy down the left flank. Her cut back granted Amalie Vangsgaard a shooting opportunity from the edge of the box after 65 minutes, though the forward dragged her effort narrowly wide.

Meanwhile Jean-François' slotted into midfield alongside Justine Kielland, Miri Taylor and Noelle Maritz.

As well as tilting the numerical battle in Villa's favour, the French midfielder put up seven defensive contributions to help maintain the side's front-foot momentum throughout the second half.

Two from Two at Keys Park

Sunday's win shows that we're settling in nicely at our secondary home Keys Park.

The 2-1 victory over Liverpool was our second successive win in Hednesford, after beating Newcastle 3-1 in the Subway Players Cup last month.

Interim head coach Brian Sørensen praised the atmosphere again post-match, thanking the fans for sticking by the team in the first half before roaring them on to victory in the second.