Robert de Pauw's side had slipped to the bottom of the league after not picking up a win in their opening seven games this term. After looking like they were coasting to their first victory, Annabel Blanchard calmly netted an equaliser for Crystal Palace in the 86th minute and the story would have been been completely different for Villa.

The new Women's Super League marks the start of a new era for reigning champions Chelsea, with long-serving boss Emma Hayes having departed in summer to start a new adventure with the USA Women's team.

Aston Villa are still searching for their first win of the season while they are two points adrift of latest opponents Crystal Palace in the Barclays Women’s Super League table. When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Aston Villa boss De Pauw said that this weekend’s game is a big one for his side.

The new Women's Super League marks the start of a new era for reigning champions Chelsea, with long-serving boss Emma Hayes having departed in summer to start a new adventure with the USA Women's team.

It hasn’t been the smoothest of rides so far, but Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea made it nine wins from nine in all competitions to start the season with Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Celtic in the Champions League.