BIRMINGHAM — Aston Villa have sacked manager Natalia Arroyo following a winless start to the Women's Super League season. The decision follows Sunday's 4-0 defeat by Tottenham in the WSL, which left Villa without a win from their opening four matches, drawing two and losing two.
The Spaniard, who played for Barcelona and Spain before retiring in 2009, joined Villa in January 2025 and had another two years remaining on her contract. She becomes the first managerial departure of the current WSL season, though former Manchester United boss Marc Skinner and ex-Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic both stepped down earlier this year.
Since her arrival, Arroyo initially steadied the ship as Villa toyed with relegation during her first six months in charge and showed flashes of potential. Despite investment in the transfer window, Villa lacked consistency and were underwhelming last season, increasing pressure to perform in 2026-27. Villa earned a draw on the opening weekend against Chelsea but have looked dangerously open at the back and chaotic out of possession, with the worrying display against Spurs proving the final straw.
Villa are due to play Newcastle in the Women's League Cup on Wednesday at 19:30 BST as the club now begins the search for Arroyo's successor.