In matchweek 14 of the Premier League, Brighton and Hove faced a tough defeat at home, falling 4-3 to Aston Villa despite a standout performance from Jan van Hecke, who netted two goals. The scoring for Brighton came from van Hecke (8’ 1H and 37’ 2H) and an own goal from Pau Torres (28’ 1H). On the visitors’ side, Ollie Watkins scored twice (36’ 1H and 52’ 2H), with Amadou Onana (14’ 2H) and Donyell Malen (32’ 2H) also finding the net.
In a pivotal moment, Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana struck the post in the 51st minute of the first half, missing a crucial chance to even the score.
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly Ollie Watkins, who contributed two goals, took four shots on target, and completed 10 successful passes throughout the game.
Amadou Onana also played a significant role at The Amex Stadium, scoring once, delivering 20 completed passes, and making four attempts on goal against Brighton and Hove.
Brighton’s coach, Fabian Hürzeler, set his team up in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Bart Verbruggen in goal; Mats Wieffer, Jan van Hecke, Lewis Dunk, and Ferdi Kadioglu in defense; with Carlos Baleba, Diego Gómez, Yankuba Minteh, Brajan Gruda, and Maxim De Cuyper in the midfield; and Stefanos Tzimas leading the attack.
On the other side, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa deployed a similar 4-5-1 formation with Marco Bizot as goalkeeper; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, and Ian Maatsen forming the defensive line; Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Evann Guessand in the midfield; while Ollie Watkins was the sole striker up front.
The match was officiated by referee Andrew Madley.
Looking ahead, Brighton will host West Ham United in the next round, while Aston Villa will welcome Arsenal to Villa Park. After this match, Brighton sits in sixth place with 22 points, whereas Aston Villa rises to third with a total of 27 points in the league.
Substitutions for Brighton and Hove
23’ 1H – Stefanos Tzimas was replaced by Jack Hinshelwood.
66’ 2H – Ferdi Kadioglu was substituted for Danny Welbeck.
76’ 2H – Brajan Gruda for Charalampos Kostoulas & John McGinn for Donyell Malen.
77’ 2H – Carlos Baleba was replaced by Jöel Veltman.
Yellow Cards for Brighton and Hove
Bart Verbruggen at 53’ 1H (Insulting or dissent towards referee) and Diego Gómez at 40’ 2H (Insulting or dissent towards referee).
Substitutions for Aston Villa
69’ 2H – Ian Maatsen for Lucas Digne & Boubacar Kamara for Youri Tielemans.
85’ 2H – Ollie Watkins for Emiliano Buendía.
86’ 2H – Evann Guessand for Lamare Bogarde.
Yellow Cards for Aston Villa
John McGinn at 29’ 2H and Marco Bizot at 50’ 2H (Delaying the game).