‘A lot to build from and a lot to be positive about’- Vidošić reacts to Brighton’s opening day stalemate | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Dario Vidošić saw the positives in his side’s performance as they drew 0-0 with Aston Villa at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Fran Kirby had a goal disallowed while Michelle Agyemang hit the post as The Seagulls were left somewhat frustrated on opening day in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

When speaking to the media after the match, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Vidošić commented on what was missing from The Seagulls’ performance.

“It was probably just that final pass and decision in the last third that was missing,” Vidošić said. “It is difficult against Villa because they have two of the fastest players in the league and then they substitute them with even faster players. If you don’t control the transitions, it’s going right behind you and you’ve got big spaces to defend.

“We controlled it a lot better in the second half and I think overall, it was quite pleasing against a tough opponent.”

Despite the goalless draw, Vidošić said that there were positives for his side to take away from the game.

He said “I think we are a young team. We lost quite a bit of experience and I thought we played like more of an experienced team in that second half. We controlled it at times, a few times we were a little bit too eager to try to score the goal; we were sort of forcing it and then that plays a little bit into Villa’s hands.

“Overall, I think we would’ve liked to have controlled the game a lot more, but in that first half, I thought we had opportunities. We were maybe a bit too safe at times but once we settled it down, we looked a lot better in possession, kept it for longer periods and then it was again just maybe down to decision making. There was a lot to learn, but also a lot of good things.”

Nigerian international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie helped herself to a debut clean sheet for The Seagulls and Vidošić praised the player for her performance.

He said “She’s been very good. I think everything that she had to do, she’s done it really well.

“Every time she was there, she gave us good control with her feet, that gave us a calmness, so I think it was a really positive performance from her as well and something to build on from here on.”

Brighton & Hove Albion face a tough fixture at Manchester City on the second matchday, but Vidošić says that his side will go to the North West feeling good about themselves.

He said “We’ve had a bit of a thinner squad throughout the pre-season; we’ve still got a fair few that are rehabbing and joining the team, so I think overall, it’s quite pleasing against a tough challenge in the first game. I think it’s hard to expect a perfect game in round one, so there’s a lot to build from and a lot to be positive about going up to Manchester on Friday.”

Brighton & Hove Albion’s next fixture at Manchester City takes place on Friday evening.