Brighton 1 Aston Villa 0
Roberto De Zerbi’s side had ended a winless run of games last weekend and welcomed Aston Villa to the Amex Stadium. The visitors were desperate for a win to cement fourth place in the league to ensure that they will be playing Champions League football next season.
Villa were still without influential keeper Martinez who is out injured. They made a positive start in this game as Diaby threaded a ball through to Rogers in the box. He went down under a challenge but the referee was not interested.
The Seagulls went straight down the other end of the pitch and the tricky Adingra cut inside onto his right foot to get a shot away but it was a simple save at the near post for Olsen. A warning for the visitors as to how quickly the hosts could hit them on the break.
Adingra was causing all sorts of problems for Unai Emery’s side. He weaved his way through the defence before getting a shot off from the edge of the box. Olsen was equal to it as he beat the shot away and got some distance on it.
Credit: @premierleague
The young winger was involved again as he lifted a ball into the path of Gross. As he looked to slot home, the Aston Villa keeper made a great save to deny him. Olsen was keeping his side in this game on the south coast.
After the interval Adingra played Joao Pedro in. Under pressure from the defender, he looked to shoot into the far corner of the goal but Olsen made a sublime one-handed stop to deny him. Based on this form, Emery’s side were not missing Martinez whatsoever.
Finally the hosts broke the deadlock as Igor whipped a cross into the box for Gross to slot home at the near post. The celebrations were short lived however as the goal was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review. So close.
Aston Villa almost made them pay the ultimate price as McGinn slotted home from close range. Fortunately for De Zerbi’s side, this goal was also to be ruled out for offside. Looking at the replay, it was the finest of margins.
Adingra looked to run into the box once again until the challenge of Konsa saw him go to ground. The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Joao Pedro stepped up and Olsen made a brilliant save but the striker was there to head home the rebound.
The visitors’ keeper probably deserved a clean sheet given his performance but his defence left him exposed all too often. Maybe their excursions in the Europa Conference League in midweek had taken it out of Unai Emery’s side.
Credit: @premierleague
Brighton held on for the three points and seem to be finding their form once again. They too have struggled with juggling both domestic and European adventures but will be hoping to make a strong finish to the season, moving themselves up to eleventh in the table.
Did you enjoy this article? Please share to your social media. With one click you can help spread the word and make Solid at the Back the one-stop shop for all Premier League fans.