Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Dario Vidošić was full of praise for his side as the Seagulls picked up their first away victory in the Women’s Super League (WSL) since November.
Despite what the tight 1-0 scoreline may suggest, Brighton were by far the superior side at Brisbane Road Stadium. The Seagulls generated 15 shots to Tottenham’s three, pressing the Spurs across all areas of the pitch.
“I think we nullified them quite well,” said Vidošić when asked to analyse the victory. “Our effort, in terms of our pressing, was was really, really good. We didn’t give them much time, there was constant pressure on the ball, so everything that they tried was rushed.”
“We controlled those longer balls that they tried to find their wingers with. And I thought, with the ball as well. We controlled the game, especially in the first half.”
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Head coach praises ‘tremendous’ Brighton
When asked whether or not his side placed particular focus on Tottenham’s fast line-breaking pace behind the ball, Vidošić revealed how Brighton perfectly executed their game plan.
“We knew that there was ever sort of their style of play where through different ways, whether [Ella] Morris going forward, they would invert their winger and still try to create those bit more to overload the front our defensive line. When we saw the players on the bench, we knew that they would there would be that potential, that they would all be coming on at some point, and then they would add that extra threat that you have to be switched on. You have to be because sometimes they’ll do it even in the moments where it’s a transition. They’ll play that first time pass. So you have to be very alert.
“I thought we were dealt with that exceptionally today, we had it under control. It easy to sometimes fall asleep that second and they’re all looking for it. I can’t fault their [Brighton] effort. They were tremendous, and we’ll enjoy the victory, and then on Tuesday, we’ll be back in and prepare for the next one against Leicester.”
Fran Kirby’s first half finish was enough to reward Brighton their first away victory since mid-November.
“It’s not easy, especially when you travel away. There has been some tough games for us as well of late, especially away from home, some very long trips. At the end, it’s football, it’s 11 vs 11. We had a terrific support, but it’s saying, you know, we wanted to away and get that win.
“It’s been a little while we felt some games we didn’t deserve it and it didn’t happen. Other games we probably deserved more, and it didn’t happen. So today was nice to put in a good performance, get the win, and give us good confidence now next weekend, traveling away as well to Leicester.”
Seagulls eager to become a team that other clubs fear
The Seagulls packed a punch in Leyton, appearing strong in the press in order to force Tottenham to blunder and cough up possession.The side won 62 ground duels and 25 aerial contests, dominating the gamestate on the occasion.
The head coach praised his side’s mentality to take the game to the hosts, admitting that it is something that has been discussed behind closed doors as of late.
“That’s something that we spoke about after the Chelsea game, that we want to be like that, that we want to play the football. We want to have a good style, but I think it’s important without the ball as well that people don’t want to play against us, that we leave a bit of a mark, and that means that’s the sort of defending.
“You have to get close, you have to put body to body, you have to go win the ball. I think we had them under pressure the whole game, 90 minutes. It was a really proud moment for me, and something we’ll continue to work on. We’ll enjoy it, but you know, still a long way to go, and we’ll be straight back feet on ground on Tuesday and prepare for another tough challenge.”