English Premier League, 36th round
Amex Stadium (Brighton)
Chief Referee: Robert Jones
Before this match, “Brighton” was floating in the middle of the tournament table. Actually, even with the three points scored today, the position of the “seagulls” did not become much better. Maybe they don’t have much to claim, but Aston Villa’s league championship ambitions managed to get in the way.
“Lions” were tired “kittens” today. Thursday’s match against “Olympiakos” exhausted them, so they were not themselves today. In 90 minutes, Aston Villa scored only two shots on the opponent’s goal. One of them was in the plane – in the first half. However, it is definitely not dangerous.
But “Brighton” sharpened, pressed, created moments. At the start of the meeting, Adingra made a great shot in the plane, but it was a convenient shot for Olsen – he pulled. At the end of the first half, Gross had an even better moment. He had several options for a shot in front of him, but even here the goalkeeper managed 100%.
At the 57th minute, Cash scored next to the nine. It was the visitors’ only chance after the break. In response, a few minutes later, Pedro was able to respond with a more accurate shot. Actually, he hit the plane, but Olsen again!
Brighton’s goal should have come. The victory of the “seagulls” would be a very logical development of events. Actually, that’s what happened. Konsa brought down Adingra in his own penalty area. But Olsen again! The goalkeeper parried a spot kick from Pedro. But the Brazilian was the first to finish. 1:0.
Joao Pedro breaks the deadlock late on!
Rob Olsen saves the initial spot-kick but the @OfficialBHAFC man is alert enough to poke home the rebound!#BHAAVL pic.twitter.com/2WUsHA9bRZ
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 5, 2024
The victory lifted the “Seagull” to 11th place. The gap from the sixth “Newcastle” is nine points. “Aston Villa” remained in the fourth position. They are seven points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham, but Spurs still have two games to spare. Contra spem spero (for Postecoglou’s team).
“Brighton” – “Aston Villa” 1:0
Key: Joao Pedro 87
Brighton: Verbruggen – Veltman, Webster, Dunk, Igor – Gross, Gilmore (Baleba 89) – Buananotte (Enquiso 61), Juan Pedro, Adingra (Barco 90+3) – Welbeck (Moder 89)
Aston Villa: Olsen – Konza (Chambers 90), Diego Carlos, Torres, Digne (Moreno 90) – Bailly, McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Rodgers (Cash 26) – Diaby (Duran 73) – Watkins
Warning: Gross 49, Adingra 63, De Zerby 90 (offside) – Cash 90+8
