Aston Villa's Marcus Rashford scored his first Premier League goal for the club, leading his side to a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on April 2, 2025. The win not only boosts Villa's European ambitions but also highlights the impact of their loan signings, with Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Donyell Malen all contributing to the scoreline.
After a tight first half, Villa broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. The goal came from a quick counter-attack initiated by goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who saved a corner and quickly distributed the ball to Morgan Rogers. Rogers launched a stunning 50-yard pass that found Rashford, who expertly lifted the ball over Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to score. This was a pivotal moment for Rashford, marking his first league goal since joining the club on loan from Manchester United, and his third goal overall since his arrival.
Brighton, who had been pressing for an equalizer, thought they had leveled the score just minutes later when Simon Adingra found the net. However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal out due to a handball by Kaoru Mitoma in the build-up. This decision left the home crowd frustrated and Villa took full advantage of the situation.
Marco Asensio doubled the lead for Villa in the 78th minute, showcasing his clinical finishing skills. After a low cross from Rogers, Asensio slotted the ball into the corner, marking his eighth goal in just ten appearances for the club. The goal was confirmed after a VAR check for a potential foul on Mats Wieffer by Ollie Watkins, but the referee's decision stood.
As the match progressed, Villa's dominance became evident. Donyell Malen, who came on as a substitute, capped off the scoring with a low shot into the far corner during stoppage time, sealing a comprehensive victory for Unai Emery's side. This result marks Villa's sixth consecutive win in all competitions, further solidifying their position in the race for European qualification.
Throughout the match, Brighton had their chances, notably when Yasin Ayari struck the post with a free-kick in the first half. They also had penalty appeals turned down, including a claim for a foul on Mitoma by Matty Cash and a possible handball by Jacob Ramsey. Despite their efforts, Brighton struggled to convert their chances and now find themselves in eighth place in the Premier League.
Villa's victory is a testament to their squad depth, with Emery able to call upon talented players like Asensio and Malen from the bench. The manager praised Rashford's performance, stating, “He is here because he wanted to be here, to play football, feel confident and try to help us.” With Rashford in form and the team performing well, Villa is looking to maintain their momentum as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, including a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
As the season progresses, Villa is only two points shy of fifth place, which could secure them a spot in next season's Champions League. The combination of Rashford's resurgence, Asensio's exceptional form, and Malen's contributions from the bench could be crucial for Villa as they aim to achieve their goals this season.
The match concluded with Villa celebrating a well-deserved victory, and the away fans were in high spirits, chanting in delight. With their eyes firmly set on European football, Aston Villa continues to build on their success, and the excitement around the club is palpable.
