Despite a 4-1 loss to Melbourne City on Thursday night, Carl Veart insists the difference between the two sides was “small details”.
Adelaide conceded two goals from improvised corner routines before Ben Halloran pulled a goal back to start the second-half.
The Reds squandered a golden chance to restore parity through George Timotheou, while Tomi Juric and Stefan Mauk also had opportunities to reduce the deficit at various stages of the match.
Veart believed his side failed to capitalise on its chances while in contrast the ladder leaders were clinical.
“Melbourne City are a very good side and they have that quality that they punish you if you make a mistake,” he said in the post-match press conference.
“I thought we had good control of the game, we were playing the game I thought on our terms and just small details cost us.
“We missed a pass, or missed a shot, or missed a cross that we could’ve taken more advantage of and the quality in their side they took advantage of their opportunities.”
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James Delianov was a late inclusion after Joe Gauci injured his quad in the warm-up.
Veart praised the goalkeeper in what was his first A-League game since the beginning of March due to a hamstring strain.
“James was excellent,” he admitted.
“He made a couple of good saves and couldn’t really do a lot. I suppose the first three goals were set-pieces that we conceded from.
“So that’s not great, but I’m more than happy with the way we played it’s just the small details that cost us tonight.”
Jamie Maclaren, who was rather quiet on the night, finished with a brace after scoring a penalty and then a tap-in following a needless turnover.
It is why Veart suggested the scoreline flattered the hosts, given the manner in which they yielded the goals.
However, Veart remained confident and said his side will aim to bounce back against Brisbane Roar as they look to snap a five-game winless streak.
“We’ll go away from this game and yes when you look at the score 4-1, you think you’ve taken a bit of a hiding,” he explained.
“But if you look at the balance of the game I thought we had good control in the game.
“I don’t know what the stats are but I’d say we most probably had more of the possession and I never felt when they had the ball that we were under any threat.”
Next match details:
Sunday, 16 May vs Brisbane Roar
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 21
Kick-off 5.40pm ACST
Gates open 4.40pm ACST
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
