Article body analysed
Nikita Parris scored eight goals for Manchester United in the WSL last season Brighton continued their impressive form as they moved up to second in the Women's Super League with a dominant performance against Leicester. Nikita Parris maintained her purple patch in front of goal as she scored for the third game running for the first time since October 2018. The 30-year-old showed her poacher's instinct in the 20th minute when she reacted first to head in Jorelyn Carabali's powerful cross. Brighton boss Dario Vidosic praised his side after the game: "Even though I'm possession-based, we concentrate a lot defensively. "We tried to attack with the ball and to also defend with the ball and then that way we were solid. I thought we looked really solid even when a lot was thrown at us. "We're just learning, trying to evolve and get better, but we know we've got a tough test on Friday and I'm sure we're all looking forward to that one. " The Seagulls started the second half on the front foot too and Parris almost netted her second after fine interplay with talented midfielder Vicky Losada. There was concern from the visitors' bench on the hour mark when midfielder Sam Tierney required a stretcher after injuring her ankle in a challenge with Poppy Pattinson. Despite falling behind early on, Leicester, who remain eighth, failed to trouble Brighton keeper Sophie Baggaley and ended the match with just one effort on goal. The home side's success capped a brilliant few days for Vidosic after he was named WSL Manager of the Month for October. Next up for the Seagulls is a testing trip to Arsenal on Friday, 8 November, before Leicester visit winless West Ham two days later. After watching England's friendly loss to Germany and the narrow victory over South Africa, you get the feeling it would not be a bad thing adding an in-form striker to the Lionesses ranks. While Arsenal pair Alessia Russo and Beth Mead have looked short of form and confidence, it has been the opposite for Parris with her recent scoring streak. Capped 71 times, she has not featured for Sarina Wiegman's side since September 2022, but is doing everything she can to force her way back into contention for Euro 2025. Brighton, who are enjoying an impressive season so far, are reliant on Parris hustling the opposition backline as she did in the win over Leicester. The summer signing from Manchester United constantly found space between the Foxes defenders and reacted quickest to head the winner. Parris also showed her versatility in the second half when she used her pace to break beyond the backline. Wiegman may not currently have a place for Parris in the squad, but the England coach may find it hard to ignore the forward if she maintains this fine form. After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users. Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Last Updated 3rd November 2024 at 18: 59 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Dario Vidosic Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1 Manager: Amandine Miquel Formation: 3 - 4 - 3 Manager: Dario Vidosic Formation: 3 - 4 - 2 - 1 Manager: Amandine Miquel Formation: 3 - 4 - 3 Women's Super League All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, Brighton and Hove Albion Women 1, Leicester City Women 0. Second Half ends, Brighton and Hove Albion Women 1, Leicester City Women 0. Corner, Brighton and Hove Albion Women. Conceded by Sophie Howard. Attempt blocked. Saori Takarada (Leicester City Women) left footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Ruby Mace. Vicky Losada (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) is shown the yellow card. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match because of an injury Saori Takarada (Leicester City Women). Attempt blocked. Michelle Agyemang (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Fran Kirby. Fourth official has announced 7 minutes of added time. Maisie Symonds (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Nicole Momiki (Leicester City Women). Foul by Kiko Seike (Brighton and Hove Albion Women). Asmita Ale (Leicester City Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Substitution, Brighton and Hove Albion Women. Michelle Agyemang replaces Madison Haley. Offside, Brighton and Hove Albion Women. Nikita Parris is caught offside. Attempt saved. Hannah Cain (Leicester City Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Offside, Leicester City Women. Missy Goodwin is caught offside. Fran Kirby (Brighton and Hove Albion Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Foul by Fran Kirby (Brighton and Hove Albion Women). Hannah Cain (Leicester City Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half. © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.