Jodie Hutton has attributed Wednesday's loss to Brighton & Hove Albion to a lack of cutting edge in the final third.
The 20-year-old, deployed as a left-side centre-back in the Barclays FA Women's Super League fixture, insists Aston Villa did enough to take something from the Seagulls but were left to rue several missed opportunities.
“It’s a tough one." Hutton conceded in her post-match interview.
"We’re all gutted because we knew it was a must-win game.
"Before that first goal went in, we were the better team.
"We were putting them under pressure. We were high-pressing them which they didn’t like. When they scored, it took away our momentum.
"In the second half we didn’t create a lot of chances; in the first half we should have scored a couple. It’s about taking those chances.”
What has become a regular theme throughout the 2020/21 season is Villa having to come from behind in games.
That trend continued on Wednesday, when Aileen Whelan slid in to tuck home for the Seagulls after a long-range strike was rebounded into the six-yard area.
As has often been the case throughout the current campaign, Villa were left with no option but to chase the game, ultimately leaving them more exposed in defensive areas than they perhaps would like to be.
“It is difficult (to bounce back after conceding first) because you always want to score the first goal" said Hutton.
"We kept saying that there was no pressure and that we had time to bring it back (on Wednesday).
"Again, we created the chances. We just didn’t take them.”
While the result left a lot to be desired, Hutton gave absolutely everything to the cause, while playing in an unfamiliar role no less.
Playing on the left side of a back three, Hutton was often found picking out forward players such as Emma Follis and Shania Hayles with pinpoint diagonals.
“I enjoyed (playing in defence)" admitted Hutton.
"I’ve had a couple of weeks training in that position, I’ve trained well.
"Marcus (Bignot) believes in me and that’s boosted my confidence.
"I’m happy I’m playing, and that’s all I can ask for.”
Speaking of the displayed connection between herself and Follis, there was a sense of things to come from the young defender:
“I know where Foll wants the ball" Hutton stated.
"We played with each other last season down the left.
"We’ve got that connection and it was nice to have her back on the pitch.”