After a disappointing ninth place finish in the WSL last season, new manager Dario Vidosic has completely transformed Brighton women’s team. Last season’s win record has already been matched – eight games in. The seagulls currently sit third, three points behind Manchester City.
But why? What are the main differences from last season to now?
Much of it can be put down to his formation tactics. In his first game as Brighton manager, he played his classic 3-4-3 against Everton, in which he dismantled them 4-0. His most recent lineup was 4-1-2-1-2, which was played against West Ham, and the seagulls claimed a late 3-2 victory. Both formation choices resulted in a win, but the lineups and formation was totally different.
Due to injuries to centre-backs Maria Thorisdottir and Jorelyn Carabali, Vidosic switched to a back four against West Ham, which proved successful. The use of a back four allowed the fullbacks, Rachel McLauchlan and Poppy Pattinson, to push further up the pitch and take up positions next to Marisa Olislagers in the midfield. By doing this, they cut up play with balls through to their attacking players. Despite West Ham captain Katrina Gorry scoring a brace in quick succession, Brighton outclassed and out scored the Hammers to solidify third place in the table for now.
The ability to still perform well despite injuries to key players and changes in formation, is a nod to Vidosic’s managerial skills. He has changed the starting XI seven times in eight matches so far this season. The only time the squad remained the exact same, was in the games against Everton and Manchester City, resulting in a win and a loss – evidencing that specific lineups don’t determine a good result. Some lineups were widely different, and some only had one player and their position changed. And yet, Brighton still performed and began creeping their way up the table. The players under Vidosic are versatile and adaptable, which is always necessary when there’s lots of games and risk of injury. Olislagers has shown herself to be a highly adaptable player, with Vidosic playing her at centre-back, left centre-back in a back three, defensive midfielder, left-wingback, and in central midfield. She is proving to be a cheat code in the Brighton midfield and her game against West Ham proved that. She linked up with her fullbacks insanely well and played the ball through the pitch, cutting out countless players in the process. As a defensive midfielder, Olislagers looked very press resistant, with West Ham’s players unable to get close to her. This could be a position that fans see her in more as the season goes on – especially because Vidosic isn’t afraid to make chances and statements.
Brighton’s only losses this season came in the form of a 1-0 away loss to Manchester City, and an unfortunate 5-0 battering to Arsenal. Both of these losses were as a simply result of being outclassed by better players, not as much to do with managerial, tactical or formational issues.
Another improvement in Brighton’s form, has been the player reinforcements. The transition between seasons saw major movement. 13 outgoings, either transfer, loan or release were confirmed by Brighton on the eve of a new season. There were 11 incomings, most notably: Nikita Parris, Fran Kirby, Kiko Seike, Rachel McLauchlan and Marisa Olislagers. All of the seagulls’ new additions have impacted the team greatly and Vidosic has turned them all into a force to be reckoned with. Due to positive attacking reinforcements, Brighton are averaging 1.75 goals per match which is a change from an average of 1.18 from last season. The sides concession rates are also down, from 2.86 to 1.38. Vidosic has completely transformed this growing team and will continue to do so this season – or at least the statistics how a likely upward spiral.
The striking force of Kirby, Parris and Seike has been a revelation for Brighton. The new three additions have scored a combined 10 goals and four assists in eight WSL matches. Put simply, they are heating up the league.
Lastly, Brighton women’s home ground, Broadfield Stadium in Crawley, and the Amex (where they have played a couple games this season) have kept the side undefeated. Four wins and one draw in five home games. Broadfield is a fortress. With a capacity of slightly over six thousand, the side have been averaging about two thousand people per match. The home match against Manchester United at the Amex drew in a crowd of 8,300 people, and West Ham’s arrival at the Amex saw 4,600 people attend the match. The crowds are only getting bigger and bigger, season by season, and now teams are rocking up to the Amex knowing that a win isn’t as set-in-stone as it was last season.
Dario Vidosic has been a revelation for Brighton women’s team. Although the teams progress isn’t down to him solely; he is the driving force of change in the team. His formations, his tactics and his attitude toward his team is very encouraging. There is a long way to go this WSL season, but things are looking Bright(on) on the south coast. Vidosic and his side are by no means going to slow down, if anything, they’ll be turning up a gear in the run up to their next league match – away at Chelsea. Women’s football in Brighton is most definitely on the up.
Embed from Getty Images
