Next up in the Barclays Women’s Super League is a clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Brisbane Road on Sunday (11.55am UK).
With the Seagulls making the trip to the Capital this weekend, we spoke to Brian Owen, Sports Reporter at The Argus, to give us a lowdown on Dario Vidošić’s side and what to expect on Sunday.
How would you reflect on the start of the season?
Brian: “So far, so good. Although they might have beaten Aston Villa in the opening game rather than draw 0-0 and will possibly feel they should have more than seven points on the table at this point. Given they recorded their best-ever finish last season, it was perhaps surprising to see so many changes to the squad. Players are still settling in and we have not seen all of them yet, but I'm hoping they can have a better tempo to their attacking play than last season while being stronger in defence.”
Talk to us about that exciting attacking line-up and what damage they can cause to teams?
Brian: “Well, there is a big Arsenal influence! Michelle Agyemang and Rosa Kafaji are both on loan from the Gunners. Agyemang wears the number nine shirt and is best known for her goals at the EUROs but she has been drifting wide and dropping deeper and can pop up all over the pitch. Kafaji and Kiko Seike have been a threat out wide and, of course, the whole thing is thing is sewn together by the ideas and influence of Fran Kirby. Albion's results with and without Kirby since her arrival ahead of last season are no coincidence.”
What about at the back with back-to-back clean sheets. What has impressed you there?
Brian: “Chiamaka Nnadozie offers a big presence in goal and has been very commanding on crosses while her positioning and anticipation allow Albion to defend quite high. I’, not sure we have yet seen what might become the first-choice back-line as yet. but those entrusted have largely done a good job. Japan international Moeka Minami has settled after her arrival in the summer.”
Who are the players to look out for?
Brian: “It is easy and fair to say Kirby and Agyemang but Kafaji and Seike have also been a threat out wide, and both scored in the win over West Ham.”
Dario into his second season, what do you think he learnt from his first full term?
Brian: “He has spoken about his team sticking to their plan and principles rather than worrying too much about the game situation, especially when ahead in games. With the exception of young captain Maisie Symonds, who he obviously rates highly as a player and leader, pretty much the whole squad joined the club during his tenure so logically they should be a better fit for his demands.”
What do you expect from Brighton on Sunday?
Brian: “I think they can be a threat going forward, especially if they are more precise in their cross or final pass than they have been at times. But it will be interesting to see how they fare in a tough away game having led, promised a lot but eventually lost in their only previous game on the road, at Manchester City.”