BIRMINGHAM — Aston Villa have sacked manager Natalia Arroyo following a winless start to the Women's Super League season, with Sunday's 4-0 defeat by Tottenham proving decisive. Villa have drawn two and lost two of their opening four WSL matches and remain without a victory, a run BBC Sport was told prompted the club's decision.
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. The club informed Arroyo of the decision on Monday evening and told players on Tuesday morning, with former Everton manager Brian Sorensen — now Villa's women's technical advisor — placed in interim charge.
Arroyo initially steadied the ship after arriving as Villa toyed with relegation during her first six months in charge, showing flashes of potential. Despite investment in the transfer window, Villa lacked consistency and were underwhelming last season, increasing pressure to perform in 2026-27. A draw against Chelsea on the opening weekend offered encouragement, but Villa have looked dangerously open at the back and chaotic out of possession, and the worrying display against Spurs appears to have tipped the balance.
Arroyo becomes the first managerial departure of the WSL season, though former Manchester United boss Marc Skinner and ex-Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic both stepped down earlier this year. Villa now turn to the Women's League Cup, where they are due to play Newcastle on Wednesday at 19:30 BST with Sorensen leading preparations.