Lia Wälti says Brighton Women can ‘build something special’ under Arturo Ruiz following Arsenal defeat in WSL opener

It was the Gunners’ summer signing Lisa Baum who scored the all-important goal at the Broadfield Stadium, firing her effort into the roof of the net against the tight angle after 10 minutes.

Brighton dug deep to prevent the match from getting out of sight, but they ultimately failed to create many clear-cut openings as they searched for an equaliser.

Facing the Gunners in their first game under new head coach Arturo Ruiz was always going to be a difficult task for Brighton, but new signing Wälti felt there were positives to take from the display.

“I think it was a difficult game but I think it was a really positive week for us,” the Switzerland international explained. “Arturo coming in, we didn't have much time but we received a lot of details about his philosophy during the week.

“We tried it (his gameplan) today and I think in a lot of moments it was really good. I think we also created quite a lot of chances so all-in-all I think it’s a positive first performance under him. Unfortunately, not the right result but I think it’s something we can build from.”

Pressed on what those key aspects of Ruiz’s philosophy are, Wälti explained: “It’s a bit hard to say because we’ve only had three sessions and we prepared for this one game.

“But I think yes it is definitely something we want to train: being good in the right moments of the game to play forward, to change the point of attack and if we win the ball back to find a positive outcome straight away. That was our focus today.

“I think in a lot of moments in the game it worked well and some moments we for sure can improve. It will all take a bit more time.”

For Wälti, the match was not only her competitive Brighton debut after joining from Juventus this summer, but also a chance for her to face former Arsenal midfield teammates in Kim Little and Mariona Caldentey.

“It was a tough battle, I think we were a lot of times without the ball which means you have to cover a lot of ground. Obviously, it helps sometimes to know the players, to know their strengths.

“But at the same time, you can’t defend it all and they just have such incredible quality that it makes it really difficult in some parts of the game.

“But it was really nice to see all the faces, I still feel really connected to the club. But at the same time, I’m proud to have played my first game for this club. I’ve really enjoyed the first weeks and I’m looking forward to building something special with this team.”

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was a particular standout for Albion, with the Nigerian denying Arsenal strikers Alessia Russo and Stina Blackstenius to maintain the one-goal deficit.

“She had a fantastic performance,” said Wälti. “I think that’s what you need in these games, you can’t avoid everything against the big teams in the league.

“They are going to create chances and it’s incredible to have a keeper like that in the goal that can save us in the deciding moments. A big shout out to her and the whole defence for today.”