Vidosic: Things to work on but lots that was good

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Head coach reflects on Sunday's goalless draw in WSL opener against Aston Villa.

2025-09-07T14:30+01:00

Head coach Dario Vidosic. 📷 Kyle Hemsley.

Dario Vidosic was satisfied with his side's opening-day performance after Albion drew 0-0 with Aston Villa at the Broadfield Stadium.

Fran Kirby had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside and Michelle Agyemang hit the post while Villa twice struck the woodwork.

"It was probably just that final pass and decision in the last third that was missing," said the head coach.

"And 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.

"The pitch didn't help us either. The grass was quite thick and that slowed the game down a bit and there were a lot of turnovers.

"But we controlled it a lot better in the second half, and I think overall it was quite pleasing against a tough opponent."

Maisie Symonds went close with this second-half free kick. 📷 Kyle Hemsley

Vidosic was pleased with his debutants Chiamaka Nnadozie and Moeka Minami and also praised Charlie Rule, who was making only her fourth WSL start after missing much of last season through injury.

"Chia didn't have to make any massive saves but she commanded her area well and the players in front of her protected her very well.

"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."