Brighton vs Aston Villa Report

Scorers: Rashford 51’, Asensio 78’, Malen 90+10’

Aston Villa reignited their push for a top-four finish with a resounding 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium, ending the hosts’ five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and leapfrogging them in the table.

Goals from Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Donyell Malen sealed a vital three points for Unai Emery’s side in the Champions League race.

Cagey First Half Sees Both Sides Come Close

Brighton, looking to bounce back from their FA Cup quarter-final exit, initially allowed Villa to control possession, opting to sit deep and counter through their pacy forwards. That approach led to a low-tempo first half, with few clear chances for either side.

Villa’s Marcus Rashford should have opened the scoring midway through the half after showing superb control, but he dragged his effort wide of the far post. Matty Cash also tested Brighton with a stinging half-volley that flashed just over the bar.

The Seagulls grew into the game late in the first half, and came closest just before the break. Yasin Ayari whipped in a dangerous free-kick that appeared destined for the net, only for Emiliano Martínez to get the slightest fingertip to it and tip it onto the post.

Brighton appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Jacob Ramsey’s arm in the aftermath, but VAR ruled no offence had occurred.

Rashford Breaks the Deadlock as Villa Take Control

The second half saw Villa flip the script, striking early through a swift counter-attack. A pinpoint ball from Morgan Rogers sent Rashford racing clear, and the forward held his nerve to slot home his first Premier League goal since arriving on loan — a much-needed breakthrough for both player and club.

Brighton looked to respond immediately when Simon Adingra capitalised on Villa’s defensive hesitation to slot past Martínez, but VAR ruled the goal out after replays showed a Kaoru Mitoma handball in the build-up.

Villa Substitutes Seal the Win

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler reacted by making four substitutions to inject energy into his side, but the changes left them vulnerable at the back.

That space was exploited in the 78th minute when another assist from Rogers found substitute Marco Asensio, who curled a composed finish into the far corner from the edge of the area.

The result was put beyond doubt in injury time as Donyell Malen, also off the bench, latched onto a loose ball and fired in Villa’s third, giving the scoreline a more emphatic look and leaving the home fans stunned.

What It Means

The result sees Aston Villa climb above Brighton in the table and move within three points of the top four, with Unai Emery’s men now firmly in contention for a UEFA Champions League spot. With back-to-back wins in the league, momentum is building at the right time.

For Brighton, this was a sobering defeat in front of their home crowd. Despite a promising first half, they struggled to create meaningful chances after the break and now sit a point behind Villa, with work to do if they are to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

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Brighton v Aston Villa, 2024/25 | Premier League