Marcus Rashford grabbed his first Premier League goal for Aston Villa in style, helping his side secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Brighton on Wednesday night. The win sees Villa leapfrog Brighton in the league standings, climbing to seventh place with 48 points.
Brighton, now in eighth, were left frustrated as Villa strengthened their push for European football in impressive fashion. With both the title race and relegation fight seemingly settled, the battle for continental spots remains intense.
Returning to league action for the first time since March 8, Unai Emery’s side carried their cup form into the match, having reached both the Champions League quarterfinals and the FA Cup semifinals during their break from Premier League duties. Rashford, on loan from Man United, was fresh off a brace in Villa’s FA Cup victory over Preston and continued his hot streak at the Amex Stadium.
The first half saw chances for both sides. Ezri Konsa came close for Villa when his header was spilled by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, though he quickly recovered. Brighton responded when Yasin Ayari struck the post with a curling free-kick.
Controversy followed when Villa’s Jacob Ramsey appeared to be fouled in the box by Jack Hinshelwood, but after a VAR review, no penalty was awarded.
Rashford finally broke the deadlock six minutes after the restart. Morgan Rogers launched a long ball forward, which Rashford expertly controlled before slotting it past Verbruggen from distance.
Brighton believed they had levelled through Simon Adingra, but the goal was disallowed due to a handball by Mitoma in the build-up.
Villa sealed the points late on. Rogers again turned provider, delivering a low cross for substitute Marco Asensio, on loan from PSG, to finish clinically.
In stoppage time, Donyell Malen capped off the performance with his first goal for Villa, driving a powerful shot into the far corner after being played through by Asensio, ending Brighton’s five-match unbeaten league run.
