Brighton snapped a six-match winless run in the Premier League when they beat Aston Villa 1-0 at home after Joao Pedro scored an 87th-minute winner in a scrappy affair.
Simon Adingra had been Brighton’s busiest player throughout the game and it was his foray into the box late in the second half which drew a foul from Villa full back Ezri Konsa which forced the referee to point to the spot.
Villa’s stand-in keeper Robin Olsen had made several saves to keep his side in the game and even denied Joao Pedro from the spot, but he could do nothing when the Brazilian headed home the rebound for his 20th goal of the season in all competitions.
The result moved Brighton up to 11th place with 47 points while Villa are fourth with 67 points as they continue to wait to seal a spot in next season’s Champions League with fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur still in the hunt.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Brighton end their long wait for a win at Aston Villa’s expense, and it took a penalty to open the door at the end of a low-key contest at the Amex, which finishes 1-0 to the Seagulls. Olsen made some important stops to keep a tired Villa side in the game, but Joao Pedro finally beat the visitors’ back-up goalkeeper at the second attempt, having seen his initial spot-kick saved. Victory is just reward for Brighton’s brighter work in the final third, and Adingra – who won the penalty – stood out as they recorded an xG of 0.83 to Villa’s 0.06. Unai Emery’s men still lead fifth-placed Tottenham by seven points, but Spurs now have two games in hand in the race for Champions League qualification. While Brighton must take on Newcastle United next week, Villa will visit Greece on Thursday, to try overturning their two-goal deficit to Olympiacos in the Europa Conference League semi-finals. That’s all from the Amex today, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
FULL-TIME: BRIGHTON 1-0 ASTON VILLA
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Clearly frustrated, Cash clatters into Barco after being beaten by some fleet footwork. That’s a needless booking for the Villa substitute.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Enciso is caught offside, as Villa push their defensive line up towards the halfway line. There are only seconds to go now, and the Seagulls seem set for an overdue victory.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Relieved after breaking their goal drought, Brighton are sprinting convincingly to the finish line now. Aston Villa can’t get near the final third and don’t seem to have any way back into this match.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Soaking up a few more seconds, Brighton replace their star man today, Adingra. Barco is sent on for the final minutes.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Brighton claim for another penalty during the first minute of at least nine added for stoppages at the end of this second half. The referee is not interested in Joao Pedro’s appeals and instead awards a corner.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Substitution Lucas Digne Alexandre Moreno Lopera
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Substitution Ezri Konsa Ngoyo Calum Chambers
GOAL! Brighton 1-0 Aston Villa (Pedro 87’)
That’s a huge goal! It’s a poor penalty from Joao Pedro but Olsen does not get enough on the save and the Brighton forward can nod in from close range to finally break the deadlock.
Brighton deserve to be in fornt. Villa have offered very little all afternoon.
Jamie Braidwood5 May 2024 15:50