Brighton Women's player ratings, analysis and reaction as Seagulls suffer narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal

It was the Gunners’ summer signing Lisa Baum who scored the match-winner in emphatic fashion in the 10th minute. From a tight angle, the 19-year-old fired her strike high and in off the crossbar.

The winger continued to prove Arsenal’s live wire in the second half with the German only being denied a second by a goal-line clearance from Brighton left-back Manuela Vanegas.

Striker Alessia Russo had the most promising chances for the away side to extend their advantage, however, uncharacteristically, she fired well over the bar in the 13th minute and later saw her shot smothered by Chiamaka Nnadozie.

While the Albion ultimately struggled to supply Madison Haley, with Kiko Seike’s strike in the sixth minute their most promising opportunity, the side’s attacking changes made for an exciting finish.

Substitute forward Olivia García looked lively as the American tried to carve out an opening inside the box for the Albion, but the Gunners ultimately dealt with Brighton’s advances to seal victory.

While match-winner Baum was the contest’s stand-out player, Brighton’s best performer was goalkeeper Nnadozie, who made a total of five saves.

While the 25-year-old was beaten by Baum’s stunning strike, the Nigerian reacted well, quickly coming off her line to block a strike from Russo.

Nnadozie continued to make the difference, claiming several of Arsenal’s seven corners, and later denied Stina Blackstenius as the last line of Brighton’s stretched defence.

The Brighton Base takes a look at how Arturo Ruiz’s side performed during their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Chiamaka Nnadozie - 8

The Nigerian quickly came off her line to smother a strike from Russo and later saved Blackstenius' shot. Perhaps could have got more of a hand behind Baum’s winner at her near post, though it was a thunderous strike.

Charlie Rule - 5 (Peskett, 92’)

The right-back failed to keep track of Baum for the opener and the Arsenal winger continued to shine. Angled a shot across goal, but it was slightly too high.

Moeka Minami - 6

Confident in possession and swept up danger well from inside Brighton’s 18-yard box.

Caitlin Hayes - 7

Made several important clearances and halted Blackstenius as the striker tried to shoot. Headed just wide of the post from Olislagers’ free-kick.

Manuela Vanegas - 8

Lost possession to a tenacious Olivia Smith but improved in containing the winger. Made a vital goal-line clearance and several key blocks.

Marisa Olislagers - 7 (García, 81’)

The left-back characteristically inverted into midfield to apply pressure to Arsenal’s playmakers, and made several key clearances.

Maisie Symonds - 6 (Joramo, 69’)

Provided support to the Albion in attack and tried to halt Arsenal’s advances through midfield.

Lia Wälti - 5 (Tvedten, 81’)

A quiet afternoon for the former Arsenal midfielder. Failed to carve out an opening for the Albion and struggled defensively against the Gunners’ playmakers.

Fran Kirby - 6

Often involved in Brighton’s attacks and looked to release Seike down the right. Couldn’t keep her volley down from inside the box as the Seagulls searched for an equaliser.

Madison Haley - 5 (Murphy, 81’)

Failed to get on the ball often against Leah Williamson, but provided a better outlet for the Albion in the second half. Will be disappointed not to create any promising opportunities.

Kiko Seike - 6

Albion’s liveliest player in the first half but failed to deliver threatening crosses. Made a terrific early run but could have released her shot quicker amid pressure from Ona Batlle.

Substitutes

Emilie Joramo - 6

Did well to help contain Arsenal by pressuring their players in the midfield. Offered herself as an option around the box.

Emily Murphy - N/A

Did not see much of the ball as Arsenal dealt with any long balls toward the forward.

Olaug Tvedten - N/A

Looked to break away and bear down on goal late on but was fouled by Arsenal's Kim Little.

Olivia García - N/A

Nearly made an instant impact as the striker contributed to an attack in the box but it was ultimately cleared away. Continued to show intent.

Sophie Peskett - N/A

Introduced for the six minutes of additional time.

Head coach Ruiz cut an optimistic figure following his first competitive fixture in charge of the Seagulls.

“I think that we performed very well and I’m very happy as we developed our gameplan,” he told The Brighton Base. “But obviously we wanted to get points and I think we did enough to get them.”

The Seagulls failed to create many openings throughout the contest, with Haley left starved of service at times.

Asked about how the American struggled to get involved as an outlet, Ruiz explained: “It was one of the most important things in our gameplan but not the only one so let’s be calm because we will be a very dynamic team.

“We showed way more things than that one and we will have even more clarity in the future.”

The Spanish boss was also keen to praise goalkeeper Nnadozie, naming her ‘one of the best goalkeepers in the league’.

“She made a really, really good performance and she was very important to stop Arsenal getting the 2-0. As was Misa (Rodríguez) to stop the game becoming 1-1.

“We had a very good chance with Kiko (Seike) and we almost got the 1-0 so we were very competitive.

“The knowledge between the players of me and me of the players is going to come so let’s keep growing from here. Let’s be calm and let’s go for the next one.”

The Seagulls remained in the contest until the end, but failed to find a goal for their efforts as they registered nine shots to Arsenal’s 15, with just two on target.

Such attempts were Seike’s early strike and a powerful effort from the edge of the box by right-back Rule. The former was particularly lively in the first half, testing Arsenal full-back Batlle but failing to supply the necessary accuracy on her deliveries.

The final ball was often an issue for Albion last season under Dario Vidošić, notably when they suffered 1-0 league defeats to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Brighton also often tried to find the feet of Haley for the American to hold up the ball and distribute the play. However, Brighton’s passes toward the striker were often overhit or misplaced.

While the Seagulls struggled to provide the necessary quality in attacking areas, Vanegas and Nnadozie showed their defensive strengths against some of the league’s top talents.

Winger Olivia Smith had been tipped by many to excel for the Gunners this season, but the 22-year-old struggled in her physical duel with Vanegas as the Colombian won 75% of her tackles.

Meanwhile, Nnadozie ensured Arsenal did not put the game out of Albion’s reach by denying striker Russo twice. The Nigerian shot-stopper kept her concentration until the contest's close, producing a fine save to deny substitute Blackstenius with six minutes of the regulatory 90 remaining.

Brighton will be keen to secure their first victory of the campaign when they travel to St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park to take on Birmingham City next Sunday, kick-off 2pm.

The WSL2 champions have invested well on their long-anticipated return to the top flight, with former Manchester United duo Lisa Naalsund and Millie Turner among those to join their ranks.

Birmingham City tasted a 3-1 defeat in their season opener against Manchester City on Sunday at the Joie Stadium.