Aston Villa dismiss Natalia Arroyo after winless start to Women's Super League

Aston Villa have sacked manager Natalia Arroyo after the team failed to win in the opening four matches of the Women's Super League; the club informed Arroyo on Monday evening and told players on Tuesday morning.

Arroyo, who played for Barcelona and Spain before retiring in 2009, was appointed Villa manager in January 2025 and had another two years remaining on her contract. Villa are yet to win this season, drawing two and losing two of their opening four matches, and they suffered a 4-0 defeat by Tottenham on Sunday in the WSL. She becomes the first managerial departure this season, though former Manchester United boss Marc Skinner and ex-Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic both stepped down earlier this year.

Former Everton manager Brian Sorensen, who is now Villa’s women’s technical advisor, has been placed in interim charge. Since Arroyo's arrival the club showed flashes of potential and she initially steadied the ship as they toyed with relegation in her first six months. Despite investment in the transfer window, Villa lacked consistency and were underwhelming last season. There was pressure on them to perform in 2026-27.

They earned a draw on the opening weekend against Chelsea but have been criticised for looking dangerously open at the back and chaotic out of possession. Their latest defeat by Spurs was a worrying display and appears to have been enough to lead to Arroyo's sacking.

Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday on BBC Sounds. Villa are due to play Newcastle in the Women's League Cup on Wednesday (19:30 BST).