Aston Villa secured a convincing 3-0 win over Brighton at the Amex Stadium, significantly boosting their hopes for European qualification. The match saw Marcus Rashford score his first Premier League goal for Villa, while substitutes Marco Asensio and Donyell Malen added to the tally, marking the team’s sixth consecutive victory across all competitions.

Rashford opened the scoring early in the second half, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack to put Villa ahead. The match was not without its controversies, as Brighton had a goal from Simon Adingra ruled out by VAR due to a handball by Kaoru Mitoma in the buildup. This decision was debated, with many feeling the ruling disrupted the flow of the game.

Aston Villa's performance was bolstered by their January signings, who played pivotal roles throughout the match. Asensio, who has been in excellent form since joining, doubled Villa's lead with a well-placed shot, while Malen rounded off the scoring in stoppage time. The tactical substitutions made by manager Unai Emery proved effective, as both Asensio and Malen made significant impacts shortly after coming onto the pitch.

Brighton pressured Villa early on but struggled to convert their chances. Despite hitting the post in the first half, the hosts could not find the net, and the frustration was palpable as they were booed off the pitch after the final whistle. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged that while they were dominant at times, the inability to capitalize on their opportunities ultimately cost them the match.

The victory moves Aston Villa up to seventh place in the Premier League, showcasing their ambition in the race for European football. With their attacking depth on display, Villa appears well-positioned for the challenges ahead as they aim to secure a spot in continental competition next season.