Brighton vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result and final score after late Joao Pedro winner
Brighton 1-0 Aston Villa: The hosts ended a six-game winless run to stall Villa’s top-four hopes
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
SUPER SAVE! Adingra plays Gross through one-on-one with Olsen, and the Brighton midfielder attempts to round the fast-closing Olsen and turn the ball in from close range; however, Villa's goalkeeper makes an excellent stop with his leg to stop the Seagulls going in front!
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
From just outside the area, on the right, Joao Pedro flips over a delightful ball towards the back post. Adingra stretches to meet it, but can't quite make clean contact and allows Olsen to easily claim the loose ball.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
It has now been over half an hour since either side managed a shot at goal, as this tame encounter nears its halfway stage.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Due to a couple of injury stoppages, there will be at least five minutes of additional time at the end of this first half.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
After a period of concern for Unai Emery, his second-choice goalkeeper is passed fit to continue. For now, Gauci's Premier League debut will have to wait.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
CHANCE! When Welbeck tries to release Adingra through the centre of Villa's area, the latter collides with Olsen, who charges off his line to make a vital interception. The goalkeeper is left down on the ground nursing his shoulder, though, and will require medical attention.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Having lost their last two Premier League games by an aggregate score of 7-0, today's first half at least represents some improvement for Brighton. However, they still look toothless up front.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Aston Villa
Veltman tees up Gross to deliver a trademark delivery from the right side of Villa's area, but Douglas Luiz intervenes to cut out the German's rather tame cutback.
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