Brighton put in a strong defensive performance to earn a much-needed win at Aston Villa. The game ended with a VAR penalty reversal when Solly March tackled Trezeguet, but VAR showed referee Michael Oliver that March made contact with the ball.
Villa boss Dean Smith was frustrated with the decision, saying that “anywhere else on the pitch that’s a free kick.” Smith and Brighton boss Graham Potter share the sentiment, as both exclaim “I don’t know what is or isn’t a penalty.”
Solly March scored the winner, but on the penalty call he admitted “I thought I had undone all the work we had put in.” March would have silenced some doubters with his goal on his weaker foot, adding “My right foot isn’t my strongest, I managed to hit it well and put it in the top corner.”
Dean Smith was disappointed with the missed chances. “We had some big chances today and didn’t take them.” Villa goal scorer Ezri Konsa added “We need to be more ruthless in front of goal at home.” Villa stay in the top half of the table after their third successive defeat at home.
Potter acknowledged “We’ve been under a bit of pressure; it was important for us to get a win.” Brighton are now 6 points above the relegation positions after the victory.
