WSL security allows full steam ahead for Natalia Arroyo and Aston Villa Women | OneFootball

It can be difficult, and for some impossible, to come into a club and survive a relegation battle. Since taking over Aston Villa Women, Natalia Arroyo has stuck with her approach of being process-focused first, believing that the needed results would come. This past weekend, results around the WSL fell in her favor, and the Spaniard had officially guided her side from a drop-down scare.

Now faced with a league matchup against Arsenal on Wednesday, it is important to Arroyo to see the team continue to build on what allowed them to earn the needed results. While the safety of staying in the top division provides a certain level of comfort, in reality, the everyday activities and mentality remain the same.

After all, it's been the enhanced play on the pitch since she took over that has allowed Villa to earn wins against Liverpool and Tottenham. The next test of the Gunners presents a different sort of challenge now. Arroyo wants to be able to compete among the best teams in the WSL. This Wednesday fixture will allow the manager to take a snapshot of her side's progress, as shared by the team's social media account on X.

Arroyo admitted that there is a potential letdown that could come with knowing that AVWFC will remain in the WSL. For all of March and April, they were in a must-win situation. While not technically a cup final of any sort, in effect, the stakes were as if they were.

Looking ahead, the Spanish manager also mentioned hoping to keep the good aspects of needing to get a result while also enjoying a little more freedom to express creativity on the pitch for the remaining fixtures.

Continued drive important for Aston Villa Women

Someone who has played a large role in the latest gain of points has been Miri Taylor. While speaking with AVWFCOfficial on X, she mentioned the desire to keep showing what she can provide for the team in midfield. Far from complacent with Villa's continued status as a WSL side, the 25-year-old has a strong desire to continue to string good performances together.

Villa are an improved squad since before the international break, and Arroyo's methods are working. With players like Taylor and the return of Rashel Corsie, Aston Villa Women will look to show everyone else that they are ready now to compete against one of the better sides in the league.