John McGinn miserable, Morgan Rogers fantastic – Aston Villa ratings vs Brighton
John McGinn struggled for Aston Villa but his slow night was made up for by the brilliant Morgan Rogers in a 3-0 win over Brighton.
Following a first-half dominated by contentious penalty calls, Marcus Rashford opened the scoring with his first Premier League goal for the Villains, with a slightly scuffed shot in the 51st minute.
Having been brought off the bench to replace the English forward, Marco Asensio doubled Villa’s lead, with Rogers registering his second assist of the night.
Donyell Malen was brought on with just two minutes of normal time remaining, but with 10 minutes of extra-time, the on-loan winger nabbed a goal in the 100th minute to give the Villains a comfortable 3-0 win.
Villa will play red-hot Nottingham Forest in their next game on Saturday 5 April as they continue their chase for Champions League football.
Unai Emery watches Aston Villa dominate hapless Brighton
Emi Martinez – 7
Made four saves and picked up a yellow card for timewasting, Martinez earned his clean sheet against Brighton through some good goalkeeping.
Matty Cash – 7
Nullified the threat of the lively Kaoru Mitoma before eventually being replaced by Disasi late on.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Another solid display from the England international, Konsa put in a fine performance alongside Torres in defence.
Pau Torres – 8
Slowly being reintroduced to the Villa side after a long spell out injured, the Spaniard was a rock at the back, making eight clearances and winning numerous duels.
Lucas Digne – 8
Misplaced one pass against the Seagulls and did little else wrong, a fine display from the Frenchman who is back to his best this season.
Youri Tielemans struggles against Brighton
Youri Tielemans – 5
A quieter game from the Belgian maestro, as he struggled to dictate the tempo of the match like he so often does.
Boubacar Kamara – 8
Aston Villa are preparing to offer Kamara a “historic” new contract, in an attempt to dissuade interest from several big clubs. The Frenchman was in fine form against Brighton, dominating the midfield battle.
Morgan Rogers – 9 – Player-of-the-Match
Assisted Rashford’s opener with a lovely searching ball played from inside his half. The former Man City man is looking more comfortable on the right wing as his experience in the position grows. Picked up the ball in his half and drove down the wing to create the space for Asensio’s goal. Brilliant performance by the 22-year-old.
John McGinn – 4
The Scotland international’s lack of end product, as evidenced by his lack of Premier League goals this season, was on full display against the Seagulls. Calls for Asensio to join permanently will only strengthen after McGinn’s display.
Jacob Ramsey – 7
Fortunate not to give away a penalty for a handball, but equally unfortunate not to receive one after being brought down by Jack Hinshelwood. Taken off just past the hour mark after giving the England U21 right-back a lot of problems.
Marcus Rashford continues goal-scoring run for Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford – 8
Aston Villa are in pole position to sign Rashford permanently and they will be even more keen to do so after the striker scored his first Premier League goal for the club against the Seagulls.
Substitutes
Amadou Onana (on for Tielemans 65′) – 7
Came on and offered more dynamism than Tielemans, distributed the ball to the forwards well whilst winning three out of five duels in midfield.
Marco Asensio (on for Rashford 65′) – 8
Aston Villa are keen on agreeing a permanent deal for Asensio. A goal and an assist off the bench, the Spaniard is making it very difficult for Emery to leave him out of the starting XI.
Ollie Watkins (on for Ramsey 65′) – 5
The England striker has been dealing with a niggling injury recently, may be concerned that Rashford will take his place permanently in the starting XI after the showing against Brighton. Watkins could look to revisit Arsenal’s interest from January if he does lose out to the loanee from Man United.
Axel Disasi (on for Cash 81′) – 5
Brought on, was booked soon after but redeemed himself with a great challenge on Simon Adingra late on.
Donyell Malen (on for Rogers 88′) – 7
Used the ten additional minutes of stoppage time to great affect by scoring Villa’s third of the game.