Nick Cushing rested a “missed opportunity” for Manchester City, because they were held up to a 1-1 draw by Everton in the Super League for women.
After third place, Manchester United was able to draw only 0-0 on Saturday with West Ham, City had the opportunity to move from their rivals within five points with three more games.
Cushing's side appeared on course to do that when Christmas in Casparij bundled them in a 13th minute's lead.
However, they were linked before the break when Karen Holmgaard nodded in a deep cross of twin sister Sara.
That turned out to be enough for the visitors to guarantee part of the loot, and the interim boss of the city knows that his side should have capitalized on the chance to close the gap on the top three.
“Manchester United opened the door a bit for us,” he said. “But I also knew that it would not be that simple today, with the condition of the team and options of the bank.
“The second goal was really important, and we didn't think it was. It eventually became the difference between one point and three points.”
The Sisterly Connection@Evertonwomen #Barclayswls pic.twitter.com/A76BL1RMSG
– Barclays Women's Super League (@Barclayssl) April 20, 2025
In the meantime, Aston Villa increased their survival loop in the second soil, thanks to the winner of Kirsty Hanson against Tottenham.
Natalia Arroyo's side twice in the room of four first half minutes by Anna Patten and Ebony Salmon, although they were fed back from Jess Naz and Ella Morris at 20 minutes.
Nevertheless, there would be a late turn. Replacement Hanson locked on the 91st-minute Doorball van Rachel Daly, before he threw Spurs goalkeeper Lize Kop to move Villa seven points from the lower palace.
Data Debrief: Holmgaard Twins deny City when Villa Back-to-Back goes
Man City was refused by the Holmgaard -tweeling, in which Sara has now helped each of Karen's last three goals in the Super League of the Women.
The struggles of City will continue with their last five games in all games that only give one victory.
In the meantime, Villa has recorded consecutive WSL victories for the first time since January 2024, while he sentenced Spurs to a seventh defeat in eight games in all competitions.