Carl Veart was pleased to have collected all three points against Newcastle Jets but highlighted areas for improvement.
Adelaide United made it three straight wins after downing the Jets 2-1 at Coopers Stadium on Friday night to provisionally climb into third place.
A moment of magic from Craig Goodwin proved the difference in the 77th minute as he scored for the second straight game.
Veart praised the 29-year-old’s ability following another auspicious performance on the wing.
“I’ve said many times we know the qualities of Craig (Goodwin) and again he showed them tonight,” Veart said in the post-match press conference.
“I suppose that’s why we’re very fortunate and when he became available and there was a possibility we jumped at it and he’s paying that back in dividends.”
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While Adelaide showed a lot of promise in attack, at times they struggled to keep possession and slow the game down for extended periods.
Veart acknowledged they are lacking some experience in the centre of the field.
“It’s something I’ve said from day one, that we need someone in the midfield,” he explained.
“We’ve got someone we just have to try and get them in the country, and I think that will provide us with another bow to our arrows.
“We’re just missing that little bit of experience in the middle of the park.
“In saying that, I thought Louis (D’Arrigo) was very good again tonight. He’s been very good the last few weeks and we just need someone in there that they can learn from.
“We’ve got a lot of young players and we need to get good experienced players into the team so our younger players can learn from.
“Craig is a perfect example of that, he’s showing the way for our young attackers of how it’s done.”
The boss also felt they could have been more efficient in advanced areas, believing it remains an area they are continuing to work on.
“I think at times we could’ve made it easier for ourselves,” he said.
“Sometimes the final pass let us down or the decision making on the final pass just let us down and it’s something that we need to keep improving and get better at.”
Louis D’Arrigo opened the scoring with his first Reds goal in his 34th appearance for the Club courtesy of a sensational, composed finish.
Veart was impressed with the strike and hoped that goal would encourage him to back himself more often when the opportunity arises.
“Louis is a fantastic finisher,” he continued.
“You should see him shooting at training, he scores from everywhere and I suppose that’s one thing that has been missing from his short career so far is goals.
“It’s just about having that belief and taking those shots, he’s had plenty of opportunities but at times he looks to pass it off.
“Hopefully that goal tonight breeds more confidence in him to take more responsibility and shoot more.”
Next match details:
Saturday, 13 March vs Melbourne Victory
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 12
Kick-off 6.40pm ACDT
Venue: Marvel Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
