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Previous encounters (Aston Villa )
ASTON VILLA - Home, Falmer Years: 19/20-23/24 Prem, seasons 9-13 . 16/17 C'ship, season6 . '19 EFL Cup, season9. Albion record @ Amex: W = 0 D = 3 L = 2 manager; Unai Emery (2022) P28 W = 53.5% @ July '23 . Experience: at Arsenal in days of yore. Been a winner on European circuit. Steven Gerrard (21-22) - P28 W = 35.7% @ July '22 . Experience: ex-England top Prem pro, successfully managed Rangers. Dean Smith (18-21) - P126 W = 40.4% @ Aug '21 . Experience: EFL graduate gaining his masters. ground: Villa Park 42.6k . nickname: Villans . shirt: claret, light blue sleeves. Prem record from 11/12 to 23/24; 16, 15, 15, 17, 20, (13 / 4, 5 C'ship), 17, 11, 14, 7, 7 @ 22/9/23. Prem recent best = 7th, worst = 20th . stayed up - '12, '13, '14, '15, '20, relegated '16. C21; top six - '00, '04, '08, '09, '10, top ten - '01, '02, '05, '11, '23 . bottom six - '03, '06, '12-'15, '20, relegated - '16. Prem points: 38, 41, 38, 38, 17, - - - , 35 / 55, 45, 61, 9. recent managers; Steven Gerrard (21-22), Dean Smith (18-21), Steve Bruce (16-18), Steve Clarke (2016), Roberto di Matteo (2016), Eric Black (2016), Remi Garde (15-16), Tim Sherwood (2015), Paul Lambert (12-15). 23/24 odds at start: top four 9/1, top six 3/1 . sack UE 40/1 . expected to finish: top six run in from 30/3/24: Wolves x-x (H), Man City x-x (A), Brentford x-x (H), Arsenal x-x (A), B'mouth x-x (H), Chelsea x-x (H), Brighton x-x (A), Liverpool x-x (H), Palace x-x (A) run in forecast @ 18/3/24: ?pt > ?pts . max was ? . Actual = ? . Po was xth . Actual po = xth VILLA Away: Prem. Seasn . W D L . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm %Pt . . W% L% 23/24 - 1 0 02 . 04 09 -05 .. 03 07 = 1.00 33.3 . 33.3 66.6 - Unai Emery 22/23 - 6 5 08 . 18 25 -07 . 23 07 = 1.21 37.7 . 31.5 42.1 - U Emery & S Gerrard 21/22 - 7 1 11 . 23 25 -02 . 22 14 = 1.15 48.8 . 36.8 57.8 - Steven Gerrard & Dean Smith 20/21 - 9 3 07 . 26 19 07 .. 30 11 = 1.57 54.5 . 47.3 36.8 - Dean Smith. 19/20 - 2 5 12 . 19 37 -18 . 11 17 = 0.57 31.4 . 10.5 63.1 - Dean Smith, finish 27/7/20. 16/17 - 18/19 not Premier League - see below Season6. 15/16 - 1 3 15 . 13 41 -28 . 06 20 = 0.31 35.2 . 05.2 78.9 - Remi Garde. 14/15 - 5 2 12 . 13 32 -19 . 17 17 = 0.89 44.7 . 26.3 63.1 - Tim Sherwood. 13/14 - 4 5 10 . 17 32 -15 . 17 15 = 0.89 44.7 . 21.0 52.6 - Paul Lambert. Albion v Villa (H) from 17/18: -, -, 1-1, 0-0, 0-2, 1-2 ? . . W = 0 D = 2 L = 2 . F2 A5 scorers: Trossard, Mac Allister. memorable match: Season9 (H) - a new opponent in the div but a club with plenty of previous Prem knowhow. note: for away Falmer Years results and reports scroll further below. Season13, 7th Premier League (H) Sat 4/5/24 - tba With the season coming to a climax this fixture was the penultimate home game. So far visitors habitual away record was - tba. Our Prem record at the Amex versus Villans was; ddll in four seasons to date. Not exactly a winning sequence! For various reasons we found it difficult to score against them. Both clubs had played in Europe, although for different competitions rather than qualifying groups. And... tba. In the January transfer window... tba. Current home form was; tba. At the moment Brighton were xth, while AV were xth tba. They had changed managers 3 times during our Prem years, although employing able men of varying experience. Based on previous meetings Brighton were looking for a first home victory entertaining Aston Villa. match report: tba day after result stats: ht , goals , poss %-%, on target , off target , corners , fouls , yellows , subs , shape weather: . gate: . MoM: team: subs: bench: squad: . injured: Prem P36 . W D L . F A . W D L . F A . Pt? Po? = x.xxpt/gm . W = xx% L = xx% Villans: Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% start: 05 . 03 00 02 . 11 10 01 . 09 07 = 1.80 . 60.0 40.0 - U Emery Eu Conf: Legia 3-2 (A), Zrinjski (H), AZ (A) . Hibs 0-5 (A) 3-0 (H) p-o EFL Cup: Everton (H) R3 FA Cup: R3 Oct: xth in table, xpts off xth at Q1. Season12, 6th Premier League (H) Sun 13/11/22 - L 1-2 ~ Mac Allister A Sunday lunchtime for this last Prem match prior to a prolonged break for World Cup '22 completion of groups, knockouts & finals in Qatar. Nationally Villa had started to be considered one of our bogey sides, especially if you include that single C'ship meeting here of Nov '16 during the successful promo campaign on our way to the Prem (see scroll to season6 below). Last term's setback underlined poor PL home form, which was far from fortress Amex days of level-two yester-years. We'd drawn twice here at Prem grade, in Jan '20 and Feb '21 before that first loss in Feb '22 (seasons 9-11). All those three fixtures were mid-season games played during depths of winter, which may or not be significant. The squad was superior now but had previously found it tough to get goals on a regular basis, where matches often resolved on fine margins (see scroll below). Albion head coach since September was Roberto de Zerbi and he was tasked with improving Seagulls of the Graham Potter era. Villa spent 46m by pre-season. At end of the first quarter (mid Oct) they sacked their high-profile manager, getting in an experienced replacement from Europe. So Villans hoped for a new-coach bounce - prior to anticipating a self-proclaimed rightful place among bulk of ultra-competitive mid-table clubs. In the week before this meeting Albion beat Arsenal away in the EFL Cup, while Villa got k-o'd at Man Utd. Perhaps momentum would help with fine margins. *** match report: quite how Seagulls were shot down after our flying start is another of football's hoodoos. Mac Allister put the ball in the net almost from the off (1min) - for the fastest BHA Prem goal to date. But it all went tits up from then when Lallana limped off inside 5 minutes. Next Villa got given a soft pen as Albion allowed them back into the game (20min). Early in the second period they took the lead from another home mistake with Sanchez beat at his near post - ooops (55mins). RdZ made substitutions, including taking off sub Enciso for a defender and going to 3 in rearguard. But it continued as a bad day at the Amex, something like last term - or four seasons before that campaign for the record. Several players were below par and our gameplan appeared way too predictable as a soft touch against gamesmanship from visitors. Ref had a mare, VAR got it wrong and it started to kickoff among a flurry of yellow cards. Albion only had themselves to blame coz nobody got a grip and made things happen. They say you don't actualy need a striker in the Prem these days. Oh yeah, right. But if not, what was our point man and later his sub there to do? Blue & white shirts were so static it was like looking at a line of washing hanging limp. And RdZ seemed at a loss to find a different route thru travellers block. He musta realised his squad has limitations and these are exposed time and again versus sides who sit in and run the clock down. The Italian has a lot of thinking to do during the World Cup. Hopefully he'll come up with a new master plan to beat yet more spoiling tactics at Falmer in '23. Won't he? Footnote: Albion drew 2-2 with Villa in a friendly at their winter warm-weather camp in Dubai during the WC December break. stats: ht 1-1, goals 1-20,55, poss 65%-35%, on 2-2, off 1-3, blocks 4-3, corners 11-4, o/s 3-1 fouls 14-11, yellows 3-7, subs 4-5, shape 4231-442 weather: mild . gate: 31,561 . MoM: Colwill - ok on debut. team: 1 Sanchez 13 Gross Y 5 Dunk 6 Colwill 30 Estupinan 7 March 10 Mac Allister 25 Caicedo Y 11 Trossard 14 Lallana 18 Welbeck . subs: 20 Enciso 5 (14), 21 Undav 59 (18), 34 Veltman 59 (20), 2 Lamptey 89 (30) bench: 23 Steele (gk) 27 Gilmour 28 Ferguson 29 van Hecke 43 Turns injured: 0 . rehab: 15 Moder . squad: 4 Webster 19 Sarmiento 22 Mitoma Prem: P14 . W3 D2 L2 . F11 A6 . W3 D1 L3 . F12 A13 . Pt21 Po7 = 1.50pt/gm . W = 42.8% L = 35.7% Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% total: 38 . 18 07 13 . 51 46 05 .. 61 07 = 1.60 . 47.3 34.2 - U Emery 3qtrs: 29 . 13 05 11 . 39 40 -01 . 44 07 = 1.51 . 44.8 37.9 hfwy: 19 . 07 04 08 . 22 27 -05 . 25 11 = 1.31 . 36.8 42.1 - U Emery start: 10 . 02 03 05 . 07 13 -06 . 09 16 = 0.90 . 20.0 50.0 - S Gerrard EFL Cup: Man Utd 4-2 (A) R3 . Bolton 1-4 (A) R2. FA Cup: Stevenage 1-2 (H) R3. Oct: 16th in table,4pts off 10th at Q1. Manager sacked. Jan: 11th, 3pts off 10th at halfway stage Q2. Apr: 7th, 1pt above 8th at three quarters stage Q3. May: 7th, 1pt off 6th at Q4. Qualify for Europa Conference. 22/23 odds at start: top six 11-2, top half 8-11, bottom half 10-11. Sack SG 20/1 . Expected to finish: in mid table. Run in from 8/4/23: Forest 2-0 (H), Newcastle 3-0 (H), Brentford 1-1 (A), Fulham 1-0 (H), Man Utd 1-0 (A), Wolves 1-0 (A), Spurs 2-1 (H), Liverpool 1-1 (A), Brighton 2-1 (H) Run in forecast @ 7/4/23: 44pt > 58pts . Max was 71 . Actual = 61 . Po was 7th . Actual po = 7th Season11, 5th Premier League (H) Sat 26/2/22 - L 0-2. Our recent Prem rivals from the midlands appeared to have regained their previous long-term elite status in this div. Meanwhile Seagulls required to better very basic home form against such sides and make the Amex like a fortress once more - as during our initial six Championship seasons when winning regularly here. This term's home sequence before kickoff today was: wlw dld dlw ddl. Goals for, scored per PL match were: 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 = 10. So thereby lies a true tale. Brighton fans were being sold short with: 5 fail to score stats, 4 single goal scores and just 3 braces, from our 12 games at the Amex to date. That was not much bang for your buck! Scorers at home were: Maupay 3, Trossard 2, Welbeck, Mac Allister, Duffy, Webster, og. Oh dear! That meant other regulars: Dunk, Gross, Bissouma, Lallana, March, Moder, Lamptey, Cucurella, Mwepu & Veltman were domestically all goalless, on zero and hadn't opened their accounts. Not good enough! Meanwhile Villa were not exactly making an impression on the top ten, although clubs in mid table were pretty average and already well adrift of those chasing next term's spots in Europe. * match report: Guess what? Yeah, only the Amex could house a consecutive claret cat running amok among hapless Seagulls. Hosts played as if they were on the beach already. And on a sunny afternoon it was again away support that sang & danced, while homers sat muted and frustrated in watching another abject defeat. Against early run of play visitors led from a drive down range (17min). It got worse for locals during the second period when conceding a second goal at a simple ball over the top and chase (68min). Going forward Albion were hopeless and couldn't hit a barn door, or anything else for that matter. From back to front blue & white looked clueless as how to unlock a solid unit in front of 'em. And letting opposition get two free hits didn't exactly help our goal difference either. Potter tried to take positives afterwards but it was a non-controversial exercise in verbal damage limitation. Brighton fans could see what the problem is and so what we wanted to know was how he is gonna fix it. The match-day squad appears smaller than ever, with little options for altering line ups when players go out of form. That includes the keeper situation, where BHA seem to have a policy of non-playing bench warmers in gloves. Brighton's rearguard is a shadow of former personnel - having lost Burn and Duffy seemingly sidelined. Midfield lacks a pukka playmaker or pose a threat on transition going each way. Bissouma struggled once more and of course media rumours abound as to his future. Up front we did not get that striker to better current holders of attackers shirts and so go with what we've got, grin and bear it. Potter has built a reputation on developing talent. His mantra is to play like a Prem side should and pass the ball up the pitch. We wonder if he can get more out of this squad, or whether we've missed a vital factor in expecting too much too soon. Only time shall tell. Stats: ht 0-1, goals 17,68, poss 66%-34%, on target 1-4, off target 6-2, blocks 5-3, corners 7-2, o/s 0-0, crosses 25-7, tackles 17-21, fouls 17-11, yellows 4-5, subs 1-3, shape 352-433 weather: sunny . gate: 31,475 (3095 away) . MoM: Dunk - capt's display. team: 1 Sanchez, 2 Lamptey, 34 Veltman Y, 5 Dunk, 3 Cucurella Y, 20 March, 15 Moder (18 Welbeck 63), 8 Bissouma Y 10 Mac Allister, 9 Maupay, 11 Trossard Y . bench: 23 Steele (gk), 24 Duffy, 13 Gross, 17 Alzate, 25 Caicedo, 42 Leonard, 57 Offiah, 58 Ferguson. squad: 14 Lallana, 28 Roberts . injured: 4 Webster, 12 Mwepu. Prem: P26 . W3 D5 L5 . F10 A16 . W4 D7 L2 . F15 A14 . Pt33 Po10 = 1.26pt/gm . W = 26.9% L = 26.9% Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% Total: 38 . 13 06 19 . 52 54 -02 . 45 14 = 1.18 . 34.2 50.0 3qtrs: 29 . 11 03 15 . 41 40 01 .. 36 09 = 1.24 . 37.9 51.7 Hfwy: 19 . 07 01 11 . 25 30 -05 . 22 14 = 1.15 . 36.8 57.8 - Steven Gerrard Start: 10 . 03 01 06 . 14 19 -05 . 10 15 = 1.00 . 30.0 60.0 - Dean Smith EFL Cup: Chelsea 4pen3 1-1 (A) R3, Barrow 0-6 (A) R2. FA Cup: Man Utd 1-0 (A) R3. Oct: 15th in table and 3pts above drop zone at Q1. Manager sacked in Nov. Jan: 13th, 3pts behind 10th at halfway Q2. New boss bounce. Out of FA Cup. Mar: 9th, 10pts off 8th at threequarters Q3. May: finished 14th on 45pts, 6pts off top ten. Lost half of fixtures. Season10, 4th Premier League (H) Sat 13/2/21 - 0-0 Covid attendance restrictions: lockdown 3, Tier 3/4/5 = 0 fans, (T2 = 2000, T1 = 4000). Match played behind closed doors. At very end of that belated run-in last term, during June & July '20, Villa had stayed in the Prem by getting a single point away on the final day. Following the league restarting after suspension during March (due to coronavirus outbreaks) some clubs, like Albion, hit the ground running or found good form at that critical time. Teams such as Villans & Seagulls having survived, were next expected to contest bottom six places once more. Our history of meetings wasn't extensive but taken on balance, both clubs were attempting to consolidate in this division. Therefore Brighton fans anticipated regular open play, with dual winning mentalities, rather than away sides merely parking the bus here or at other various silent venues on that long road nationwide. In the event things were indeed a tad different this term. Villa were now in the top ten, while Albion again serially struggled to get out of the bottom six. Poor home form was a contributing factor: W1 D6 L4 F11 A15. Somehow Graham Potter had to motivate players to up the ante at the empty Amex and score at least once while keeping a clean sheet. Brighton fans would be at home watching on tv and hoping their shouts of encouragement might somehow reach right into the stadium as support from afar. We'd just been knocked out of the FA Cup, so there was no better time to resume winning ways in the Prem now. * match report: Albion got a goalless draw, which was at least another clean sheet and a run of six PL fixtures unbeaten. Villa were battered (see stats below) but their keeper had an eye-catching display of saves, blocks, parries and good fortune. At end of the night we'd registered a fail to score stat but not without trying to hit the net on numerous occasions. Several players had chances, not just strikers, although none on getting into the final third could make it count. It was a re-run of many performances this term where the end product was missing to complete impressive build up, forward moves and slick passing. Any of Albion's 10 outfield personnel were capable of scoring, as current tallies suggest, however doing so was beyond them again this evening. Until that ongoing problem was solved BHA would continue in lower order, always looking over shoulders at opposition behind maybe getting closer. Seagulls football & form was up to par presently but whether the side deserves something better or not, you only get rewards for putting the ball away more times than opponents on any given day. Stats: ht 0-0, goals nil, poss 58%-42%, on target 9-1, off target 7-1, blocks 10-2, crosses 23-9, o/s 0-3, corners 9-2, tackles 11-10, fouls 16-12, yellows 2-3, subs 2-3, shape 343-4231 . Weather: very cold. Team: 26 Sanchez, 3 White, 5 Dunk, 33 Burn, 34 Veltman, 13 Gross, 8 Bissouma, 17 Alzate Y (14 Lallana 61), 10 Mac Allister, 9 Maupay (18 Welbeck 80), 11 Trossard Y . Bench: 31 Walton, 6 Karbownik, 15 Moder, 24 Propper, 22 Tau, 7 Connolly, 29 Zeqiri . Squad: 16 Jahanbakhsh, 19 Izquierdo . Injured: 2 Lamptey, 4 Webster, 20 March . MoM: Veltman. Prem: P24 . W1 D7 L4 .F11 A15 . W4 D4 L4 . F14 A15 . Pt26 Po15 = 1.08pt/gm. Wins = 20.8%, Loss = 33.3% Quatr: Pl . W D L . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% Total: 38 . 16 7 15 . 55 46 09 . 55 11 = 1.44 . 42.1 39.4 3qtrs: 29 . 13 5 11 . 42 31 11 . 44 09 = 1.51 . 44.8 37.9 Hfwy: 19 . 10 2 07 . 34 21 13 . 32 09 = 1.68 . 52.6 36.8 Start: 10 . 06 0 04 . 21 13 08 . 18 10 = 1.80 . 60.0 40.0 - D Smith. EFL Cup: Stoke 0-1 (H) R4, Bristol C 0-3 (A) R3, Burton 1-3 (A) R2. FA Cup: Liverpool 1-4 (H) R3. Nov: the first quarter finished with Villa 10th in the Prem table Jan: at the halfway stage Villans were 8th and 3pts off a Europa League place. Mar: threequarters completed they were 9th and 5pt from 5th. May: Prem eleventh and a great second season of improvement. Season9, 3rd Premier League (H) Sat 18/1/20 - 1-1 ~ Trossard. Albion had already hosted ex-Championship Villa at the Amex, for an EFL Cup R3 tie during late September (see below). We'd only previously played them here for that successful auto-promo campaign of our last year at level2 (see Season6 below). In fact we'd barely met at all this century, as BHA climbed from proverbial gutter, initially domiciled at Withdean, to the stars when wonderfully rehoused at Falmer. Villa meanwhile had been on a re-entry orbit, following many years previously at Prem level since its elite league formation in 1992. Things came down to a PL relegation battle now as both clubs wanted vital points to keep moving towards a survival target. The point was that this term nobody could say there were definitely three teams at bottom of the table who were already cut adrift without any hope. Seagulls had to up the ante from this moment because Brighton fans didn't wanna see a repeat of 2019 run-in trauma & drama here. Also, could coach Graham Potter come up with the goods to underline future credentials as a Prem boss respected for real & measured achievements? This was a very tough league with no guarantees... as Chris Hughton knew previously. * * * match report: The game ended all square but Brighton fans knew Albion had thrown two points away because of failure to put the ball twice into the net. More than that, failure to seriously hit the target or turn possession into goal-scoring opportunities. It was just more of what we have come to accept at the Amex and the crowd was pretty quiet for long periods as well. A single goal lead, from Trossard's strike (38min) was never going to be enough to ensure victory. Villa responded after the interval, while Albion merely ground to a halt in front of goal. Visitors levelled (75min), were always in the game and carried a threat to boot. Potter threw subs on to try and grab a second goal, reshaped as usual and moved men about like chess pieces. It was a tight affair, although the away outfit defended well enough to thwart any forays into their area. Albion went from side to side, backwards, down flanks and across the box but never penetrated to effect. In truth, apart from early threats our attacks were too slow and got slower as time passed. Meanwhile Villa knew how to counter with directness & pace. Potter has reached a plateau with methods and personnel employed, so the jury is out on how much he could improve this group. Bear in mind he is learning on the job as well. Meanwhile the January window was not open yet for much needed replacements. That is to say, BHA required somebody to step in before it became another winter of discontent. Stats: shape 4222-343, ht 1-0, goals 38-75, poss 56%-44%, on target 2-3, off target 3-5, blocks 5-0, crosses 11-19, o/s 2-4, corners 3-4, tackles 19-21, fouls 11-13, yellows 3-3, subs 3-3 . MoM - Bernardo . Gate - 30,551, away 3021 . Weather - dry & cold. 1 Ryan, 46 Alzate, 15 Webster Y, 5 Dunk Y, 30 Bernardo, 6 Stephens, 24 Propper, 18 Mooy (13 Gross 80), 11 Trossard (17 Murray 80), 7 Maupay, 44 Connolly (22 Montoya 68) . Subs - 27 Button, 4 Duffy, 8 Bissouma, 16 Jahanbakhsh. Squad - 3 Bong, 14 Balogun, 20 March, 21 Schelotto . Injured - 19 Izquierdo, 33 Burn. Prem: P23 . W4 D5 L3 . F16 A13 . W2 D2 L7 F10 A18 . Pt25 Po14 = 1.08pt/gm. Wins = 26.0%, Loss = 43.4% Quatr: Pl . W D L . F A GD . . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% Total: 38 . 9 8 21 . 41 67 -26 . 35 17 = 0.92 . 23.6 55.2 - D Smith, finish 27/7/20. 3qtrs: 29 . 7 5 17 . 34 56 -22 . 26 19 = 0.89 . 24.1 58.6 PREM SUSPENDED Hfwy: 19 . 5 3 11 . 25 33 -08 . 19 18 = 1.00 . 26.3 57.8 Start: 10 . 3 2 05 . 15 16 -01 . 11 14 = 1.10 . 30.0 50.0 - D Smith. EFL Cup: final - Man City L 1-2, s-f - Leicester 2-1 (H) 1-1 (A), q-f - Liverpool 5-0 (H), 4th rnd - Wolves 2-1 (H), 3rd rnd - Brighton 1-3 (A), 2nd rnd - Crewe 1-6 (A). FA Cup: Fulham 2-1 (A) R3. Aug: left in the bottom three, although did score enough times to reduce goal difference. Oct: eased into lower mid table by end of start Q1. New Year: just above d-z but dumped out of FA Cup by ex-Prem outfit. March: in 19th d-z place when PL suspended. EFL Cup finalists. July: outside d-z on last day and made it count when results all came in. Season9 EFL Cup R3 (H) Wed 25/9/19 - L 1-3 ~ Roberts. Albion drew Villa, for this evening knockout competition, with a home tie - after both Prem clubs got past lower league opposition away at end of August. Each outfit now had an option to field a similar second eleven, or maybe go with a full strength side as a potential way of progressing at shorter odds. Graham Potter had already blooded U23 academy graduate Aaron Connolly & ex-EFL youngster Steven Alzate at Prem level, having earlier dispensed with services of ex-PL strikers Hemed, Knockaert, Andone & Locadia during August. None of those previously figured in the R2 cup-tie squad but plenty of U23s & fringe players had made up match-day ranks. On the day Potter had multiple injury problems among his senior squad, so selected the youngest Prem side to play anywhere at elite level this season so far. * * * match report: In the event Villa proved superior with their experienced team and were two up by the break (22 & 33 mins). Roberts headed home a set piece around the hour mark and Connolly came off immediately afterwards. But unfortunately Duffy sustained injury ten minutes later and left the battle. Villa soon enough sealed it via another goal as BHA youngsters desperately defended their area again & again (77min). Potter was pleased with his U23 virgin outfit, many of whom made debuts on a night of boys versus men. Brighton fans at least got to see how far the U23 squad was behind the curve in their development as pros, bearing in mind lots of contemporaries were already out on loan either in the EFL or abroad. It was a numbers game but just maybe a few could eventually make the grade in future. Perhaps the academy system required more meaningful competition, as in knockouts like this and the EFL Trophy, to sort chaff from wheat. Stats: shape 343-433, ht 0-2, goals 61-22,33,77, poss 30%-70%, on target 6-10, off target 8-18, corners 3-11, fouls 7-11, yellows 2-1, subs 3-3. MoM - Roberts . Gate - 14,982, away 2305 . Weather - mild & dry. 27 Button, 58 Roberts Y, 4 Duffy (49 Yapi 72), 3 Bong, 51 A Davies, 72 Jenks (71 Spong 82), 28 Baluta, 50 Cochrane, 44 Connolly (60 Longman 58), 45 Richards Y, 55 Gwargis . Subs - 23 Steele, 52 J Davies, 53 O'Hora, 56 Radulovic. Seasons 7-8 (1st-2nd) - not Premier League. VILLA Previous Prem: Sesn . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . . W% L% 22/23 - 18 7 13 . 51 46 05 . 61 07 = 1.60 . 47.3 34.2 - Unai Emery @ 28/5/23 Came from bottom six early in campaign to sustain a challenge for last place in Europe and succeeded too 21/22 - 13 6 19 . 52 54 -02 . 45 14 = 1.18 . 34.2 50.0 - Steve Gerrard @ 21/5/22 Made progress from a lowly position after change of manager. Pressure on to deliver better next term. 20/21 - 16 7 15 . 55 46 09 .. 55 11 = 1.44 . 42.1 39.4 - Dean Smith @ 24/5/21 Substantial improvement to end up top of the bottom half and much closer points-wise to top ten than to 12th position. 19/20 - 09 8 21 . 41 67 -26 . 35 17 = 0.92 . 23.6 55.2 - Dean Smith. PL SUSPENDED, complete @ 27/7/20. Went to the last day for decider and guess what? Somehow they stayed in the div. 16/17 - 18/19 not Premier League - see below Season6. 15/16 - 03 8 27 . 27 76 -49 . 17 20 = 0.44 . 07.8 71.0 - Remi Garde. 14/15 - 10 8 20 . 31 57 -26 . 38 17 = 1.00 . 26.3 52.6 - Tim Sherwood. 13/14 - 10 8 20 . 39 61 -22 . 38 15 = 1.00 . 26.3 52.6 - Paul Lambert. 12/13 - 10 11 17 47 69 -22 . 41 15 = 1.07 . 26.3 44.7 11/12 - 7 17 14 . 37 53 -16 . 38 16 = 1.00 . 18.4 36.8 FA CUP; from 11/12 - 4th rnd, 4th, 3rd, final, 4th, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd. LEAGUE CUP; 3rd, s-f, 3rd, 2nd, 4th, 1st, 3rd, 2nd, final, 4th, 3rd, 3rd. * * * * * * * * * * * Aston Villa home, Falmer years - C'ship 16/17, Season6. Albion v Villa (H) from 11/12: -, -, -, -, -, 1-1 . W = 0 D = 1 L = 0 memorable match: Season6 (H) - when we finally hosted the ex-Prem outfit.. Season6 (H) Championship 18/11/16 - 1-1 ~ Murray. This first fixture against the ex-Prem midlands outfit was moved to a Friday night tv slot, following the customary November international break. Albion had established at second place in the Championship after an unbeaten run of 10 matches, including 8 victories. Meanwhile Villa were languishing in 14th, undefeated at home but merely one win away in 8 games. Chris Hughton had Seagulls squad in good form, especially at the Amex - six wins from 8 games. Also BHA had kept six clean sheets there, scoring 17 against 4. And goals conceded were 2 in each of the single draw & loss. Hughton knew his preferred starting eleven by now and had benefit of a strong bench and a fit squad too. In fact there was quality cover in most positions across & down the pitch, apart from a couple due to injury. In build up to this fixture assistant Colin Calderwood quit for a job at Villa. *** match report: Visitors took the lead after hosts failed to capitalise on early chances. From a f-k the ball went over and skimmed off a head to beat Stockdale's dive (20min). Albion huffed & puffed but couldn't seem to put passes together. Then just prior to h-t a final fluid move saw Murray smack a great 25 yarder into the bottom corner (45m). After the interval Villa pressed hard while Seagulls were forced into rearguard action. Hughton put Murphy into the fray with twenty mins left and later Norwood arrived but little changed. Stockdale made a couple of superb saves to keep parity as travellers went to win it at the death. The match was competitve and open but never dirty. Brighton fans were entertained in a full house but could see a tad more was needed to go beat a good football playing outfit. It was a fair result at end of the day. Stats; h-t 1-1, goals 20-45, poss 59%-41%, on target 2-2, off target 4-5, corners 2-12, o/s 4-2, fouls 13-15, yellows 1-2, subs 2-2 . att 30,107. Stockdale, Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong, Knockaert (Norwood), Sidwell, Stephens, Skalak, Baldock (Murphy), Murray. Champ's P17 . W10 D5 L2 . F26 A10 . Pt35 Po2 . W = 58.8% L = 11.7% Seasons 1-5 - not C'ship. * * * * * Withdean Era - no league meetings H&A in 12 seasons between 1999 and 2011.
Aston Villa - Away, Falmer Years: 19/20-23/24 Prem, seasons 9-13 . 16/17 C'ship, season6. Albion record @ Villans: W = 1 D = 1 L = 3 VILLA @ Home: Villa Park. Seasn . W D L . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm %Pt . . W% L% 23/24 - 02 0 0 . 07 01 06 .. 06 07 = 3.00 66.6 . 100.0 00.0 - Unai Emery 22/23 - 12 2 5 . 33 21 12 .. 38 07 = 2.00 62.2 . 63.1 26.3 - Unai Emery & Steven Gerrard 21/22 - 6 5 08 . 29 29 00 .. 23 14 = 1.21 51.1 . 31.5 42.1 - Steven Gerrard & Dean Smith 20/21 - 7 4 08 . 28 26 02 .. 25 11 = 1.31 45.4 . 36.8 42.1 - Dean Smith. 19/20 - 7 3 09 . 22 30 -08 . 24 17 = 1.26 68.5 . 36.8 47.3 - Dean Smith, finish 25/7/20. 16/17 - 18/19 not Premier League - see below Season6. 15/16 - 2 5 12 . 14 35 -21 . 11 15 = 0.57 64.7 . 10.5 63.1 - Remi Garde. 14/15 - 5 6 08 . 18 25 -07 . 21 17 = 1.10 55.2 . 26.3 42.1 - Tim Sherwood. 13/14 - 6 3 10 . 22 29 -07 . 21 15 = 1.10 55.2 . 31.5 52.6 - Paul Lambert. Villa v Albion (A) from 17/18: -, -, 2-1, 1-2, 2-0, 2-1, ? . . W = 1 D = 0 L = 3 . F4 A7 scorers: Webster, Welbeck, March, Undav. memorable match: Season10 (A) - bagged the lead twice and hung on to repel hosts advances in a venue devoid of home support. note: for home Falmer Years results & reports scroll further up. Season13, 7th Premier League (A) Sat 30/9/23 - 12:30 ko Brighton & Aston Villa played in the PL Summer Series held in America during July '23. Today's hosts defeated Fulham 2-0 but drew with Newcastle 3-3 and Brentford 3-3. Then back for friendlies in Europe; lost at Rushall 3-2 (A) but beat both Lazio 3-0 (H) and Valencia 1-2 (A). We'd now each entered separate European knockout competitions and also just completed EFL Cup R3 ties. Villa began in the Euro Conference play-off round beating Hibs 8-0 on agg and progressing to group stage. Last term Albion finished 6th (62pts) and Villans 7th (61pts) in the Prem, giving us a 1pt +ve difference. Since joining the elite, Brighton had finished 15, 17, 15, 16, 9, 6, while AV were x x 17, 11, 14, 7. Hosts were hoping to improve their overall status this season. Our Prem record at Villa Park versus Villans was; lwll in the last four seasons to date. Those three defeats stand out. We had scored there but unfortunately with majority of negative outcomes. Going into this last day of Sept lunchtime match BHA were xth and Villa were xth tba. The midland outfit had spent 84m in the Aug transfer window on 2 buys, plus a loan and one free. Hosts head coach Unai Emery was tasked with ambitions of turning the Birmingham club into top-six regulars. Based on previous meetings Brighton were looking to avoid another consecutive defeat at well-drilled Aston Villa. * match report: tba 24 hr after result stats: ht , goals , poss %-%, on target , off target , corners , fouls , yellows , subs , shape weather: . gate: . MoM: team: 23 Steele 6 Milner 29 van Hecke 5 Dunk 30 Estupinan 8 Dahoud 13 Gross 7 March 9 Pedro 18 Welbeck 22 Mitoma subs: tba bench: 1 Verbruggen 3 Julio 4 Webster 11 Gilmour 14 Lallana 24 Adingra 28 Ferguson 34 Veltman squad: 2 Lamptey 20 Baleba 31 Fati 40 Buonanotte . injured: 10 Enciso 15 Moder Prem P7 . W2 D0 L1 . F8 A5 . W2 D0 L0 . F7 A2 . Pt? Po? = x.xxpt/gm . W = xx% L = xx% Season12, sixth Premier League (A) Sun 28/5/23 - L 2-1 ~ Undav This was the very last game of the current season. Villa Park had proved a difficult place to visit and Seagulls seemed to suffer there for a variety of reasons (see away scroll below). And it all began at the then ex-Prem venue very late in May '17 of our C'ship promo year prior for advancement into the elite league (season6). It wasn't that we couldn't win here, more a nature of the random turn of events during 90+ minutes, plus vagaries of VAR etc. We'd initially lost in Oct '19 then won in Nov '20 but were defeated again last term in Nov '21, to complete a 1:2 reverse ratio of two beatings out of three scraps (seasons 9-11). After playing Villa at the Amex in mid November (see home scroll above) both clubs went to Dubai for their warm-weather camps during the '22 World Cup finals held in December. Under Roberto de Zerbi Albion drew 2-2 out there with Villa in a multi-squad friendly. Since then we'd hit heights of 6th place, an FA Cup s-f at Wembley, plus at least 3 extra trips away when getting into the Europa League next term. Meanwhile Villans were still in with a shout for the 'lesser' Europa Conference place. And the story continues because Albion & Villa were two Prem clubs selected to next play in America during pre-season. But of course super success this term was breeding great expectations for future involvement in all four competitions, both at home & abroad and also in the States Summer Series during late July. * match report: Albion might be seen abroad soon but kinda missed the boat in Birmingham. Conceding two goals inside the half hour mark was no way to book a passage into first class, on a day when our Prem journey ended in disappointment. Poor defending cost visitors from the get-go and locals piled on the pace to grab & double the lead (8 & 26mins). Seagulls slowly got back into it and Undav netted from a quick Gross f-k (38mins). From then on it was a slog as both sides huffed & puffed in a dogged scrap when each would rather be on the actual beach. So Villans continued to be a bit of a bogey side for us, using plenty of muscle to boot. Pattern of play is usually determined by who got the first goal - maybe travelling support were on a hiding to nothing either way in a noisy stadium. One problem with the De Zerbi method is that clean sheets are infrequent and so we have to out-score opposition in another multi-goal game. That's tough to net twice every time you set foot on the pitch. Majority of Prem results are from 0-0 to 2-2 over 38 fixtures. RdZ might wanna be revolutionary but he won't alter basic stats, where keeping opponents out at least gets the one point you started with. But lets finish on positives and say congrats to; Roberto for coaching genius, Tony Bloom for BHA's admirable culture, Paul Barber for CEO of the year and the whole squad for giving Brighton fans a record-breaking season to write into folklore. stats: ht 2-1, goals 8,26-38, poss 41%-59%, on 5-4, off 7-4, corners 4-3, fouls 15-16, yellows 4-4, subs 1-5, shape 4231-442 weather: warm . gate: . MoM: ? - no takers team: 23 Steele 34 Veltman 4 Webster 6 Colwill 13 Gross 40 Buonanotte 26 Ayari 10 Mac Allister 20 Enciso 21 Undav 28 Ferguson subs: 30 Estupinan 45 (34), 25 Caicedo 45 (26), 29 van Hecke 66 (4), 22 Mitoma 66 (20), 71 Hinshelwood 89 (21) bench: 38 McGill (gk) 5 Dunk 18 Welbeck 27 Gilmour injured: 2 Lamptey 7 March 14 Lallana 19 Sarmiento . squad: 1 Sanchez 15 Moder 49 Moran Prem: P38 . W10 D4 L5 . F37 A21 . W8 D4 L7 . F35 A32 . Pt62 Po6 = 1.63pt/gm . W = 47.3% L = 31.5% Season11, 5th Premier League (A) Sat 20/11/21 - L 2-0 The Prem resumed following a fourth international break. Brighton fans were very happy to hit the road north since end of October on Merseyside. Albion away form last term had helped keep our outfit clear of relegation threats - but not in so-called six pointers against drop-zone candidates. In fact our record versus clubs higher up the table was responsible for majority of those points gained on the road. We were now back at Villa Park, where we'd gotten three points previously and were hoping to replicate that feat. After August transfer deadline Potter had just a couple of new signings, a trimmed down squad and many fringe players sent out on loan. So we were going with what we'd got and hoping a campaign plan would come together. Dean Smith had brought Villa thus far and in pre-season signed three, spending around 100m received for 'offloading' former talisman Grealish. Pundits then still put this suburban Birmingham outfit in with a live chance for upsetting regular established big-six metropolitan clubs. But while Albion's start had been so much more than lower order once again, Villa appeared to be seriously under achieving and Smith got sacked. He was replaced by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, fresh from success at Rangers north of the border. * match report: Albion crashed to defeat, conceding twice in the last few minutes of normal time, despite having superior possession throughout. It was a return to bad old days of struggling to make & take chances, lack of being clinical and failing to be ruthless in front of goal. Potter set up with three in defence, plus two wingbacks and a false no.9 as point man. But one fundamental problem from our years in the Prem is getting enough goals from across the squad thru a season. And those weak totals figures applied once more, registering a fail to score stat - our fourth from 12 fixtures. A turning point came when Lamptey was withdrawn and hosts moved up on that flank for a final push. Albion still had momentum but were hit on the break (84min). Afterwards it was backs to the wall and we let a second sloppy goal in at the death (89min). Potter said; we didn't do enough to score, made a mistake and gave them a chance to win. Brighton fans could see what Potter is trying to achieve (his one hundredth game today), although do wonder why our strike force is lightweight at this level. Goals win games and successful clubs have potent goal scorers. Unfortunately Seagulls cannot seem to find goals from across the pitch to assist those up front having an off day. If you don't think that matters then check out our archive for stark records of players who didn't get it over the line, in all possible senses. Stats: ht 0-0, goals 84,89, poss 37%-63%, on target 5-2, off target 1-0, blocks 3-4, corners 5-7, crosses 19-24, o/s 1-0, tackles 16-15, fouls 7-13, yellows 3-3, subs 3-3, shape 433-352. weather: mild . gate: 41,925, away 2975 . MoM: Lamptey - did best. team: 23 Steele, 4 Webster Y, 24 Duffy, 5 Dunk, 2 Lamptey (9 Maupay 79), 13 Gross (10 Mac Allister 89 Y), 8 Bissouma, 14 Lallana, 3 Cucurella Y (20 March 64), 15 Moder, 11 Trossard . bench: 16 Scherpen, 30 Richards, 33 Burn, 34 Veltman, 60 Sarmiento. squad: 7 Connolly, 28 Roberts. injured: 12 Mwepu, 17 Alzate, 18 Welbeck. Prem: P12 . W2 D2 L2 . F6 A8 . W2 D3 L1 . F6 A6 . Pt17 Po9 = 1.41pt/gm . W = 33.3% L = 25.0% Season10, 4th Premier League (A) Sat 21/11/20 - W 1-2 ~ Welbeck, March. This fixture was played in an empty stadium as per imposed recurrent lockdown pandemic protocols. It followed the second pause to our fourth ongoing but late starting Prem season. Away trips had to provide more points this campaign if Albion were to climb the table from previous lowly finishes. Clubs like Villa were obvious targets for getting a result; based on law of averages, second season syndrome, lightning twice striking, lady luck or fickle finger of fate. In reality, managerial influences, current form, squad experience and events on the field counted for more. Clubs that found themselves in lower order positions tended to stay there, especially those in the bottom six. So Albion's brief was fundamentally not to get beat and when gaining possession, turn it into on targets. By playing those percentages, one chance from many should go in. Anything less would maintain a current prevailing negative trend. The first quarter period was approaching its cut off date next week and results thus far could then be dissected - logically but mostly realistically in cold light of day. * match report: Albion took home three valuable points, although it was all hands to the pumps at the death. Welbeck got his first BHA goal with a solo run between each half and chip finish (12min). Villa tried hard to restore parity but remained one behind come the interval. Lallana didn't appear for the second period. Hosts quickly levelled on turnaround from a set piece that Seagulls were merely ball watching rather than marking the runner (47min). Quite soon visitors were ahead once more when March finished a Gross lateral area pass with a super shot (56min). Villans went hell for leather to equalise and Potter took off Maupay as time ran out, going to 541 in a do or die rearguard battle. Lamptey received 2 very late yellows and was sent off in stoppage. Ref signalled a pen against March at the death but reversed his decision when reviewing via pitchside monitor. Potter was pleased with this result, where for once to date the proverbial ball broke in favour BHA. The Prem was being greatly influenced by VAR decisions thus far, so we hoped that come next May things would have evened out in the long run. Travellers away record looked respectable at present but domestic results needed addressing next, to move Albion out of the bottom six, after Q1 analysis at end of this month. Trouble was, Liverpool were our next fixture due at the Amex and with no fans allowed to be there a vital twelfth man would again be missing in support of better home form. Stats: ht 0-1, goals 47-12,56, poss 55%-45%, on target 4-3, off target 6-3, corners 12-3, o/s 2-0, crosses 41-16, blocks 5-1, tackles 7-18, fouls 5-18, yellows 2-2, red 0-1, subs 2-3 . Weather: dry, cloudy. Team: 1 Ryan, 2 Lamptey R, 3 White, 5 Dunk, 4 Webster, 20 March, 13 Gross (49 Molumby 96), 8 Bissouma Y, 14 Lallana (34 Veltman 46), 9 Maupay (33 Burn 80), 18 Welbeck . Bench: 23 Steele, 17 Alzate, 16 Jahanbakhsh, 7 Connolly. Squad: 19 Izquierdo, 29 Zeqiri, 30 Bernardo . Injured: 11 Trossard . Sick: 10 Mac Allister, 24 Propper . MoM: Welbeck. Prem: P9 . W0 D2 L2 . F4 A7 . W2 D1 L2 . F9 A8 . Pt9 Po16 = 1.00pt/gm. Wins = 22.2%, Loss = 44.4% Season9, 3rd Premier League (A) Sat 19/10/19 - L 2-1 ~ Webster. A much anticipated renewed league meeting with Villa occurred just after the second international break, during October. Through coincidence we'd recently played them, last month at the Amex, in an EFL Cup R3 tie. It was a Prem fixture now, although had hardly crossed paths previously (see Season6 below) with the ex-Prem midlands outfit. And late in the noughties Withdean era we'd only visited here for an FA Cup R4 tie, when Albion were a League One club. Anyway the state of play currently was Seagulls, now under coach Graham Potter, had accumulated just enough points to reside in midtable with Villans. This upcoming contest would supposedly show how each outfit had progressed thus far, bearing in mind the relative spending power of each PL sides owners. BHA hadn't gone overboard with pre-season signings, while Villa had splashed those millions well into three figures. Both squads were altered compared to last term but for different reasons. Quite a number of previous Seagulls players were now gone or out on loan, to make way for summer replacements or U23s on the up. * * * match report: Albion were beaten right at the death after leading until just before the break. Webster nodded in from Gross f-k to highlight useful play from visitors during the first half (21min). Then Mooy got sent off for two quick bookables and the game changed dramatically (31 & 35min). Villa soon had the ball in the net but it was chalked off by VAR. Moments later they equalised on stroke of halftime and it gave hosts a vital lift (45+min). Potter withdrew Connolly for March at start of the second period, leaving Maupay alone up front. Albion huffed & puffed but everything remained the same while the clock ticked down. Potter put Duffy in after Montoya got a yellow and later Alzate went on, moving March to point. Seagulls flapped a few times at the back but Ryan held firm as last line of defence. But deep into stoppage Villa bagged their winner (90+4min). Potter said, 'I'm not one to criticise referees but you will see worse red cards.' Brighton fans were choked, especially after witnessing two goals against in time added on. It was a double psycological moment for all away concerned and not one for a happy outcome. At end of the day BHA went home with nothing, minus a player banned to boot. Stats: shape 43-442, ht 1-1, goals 45,90-21, poss 49%-51%, on target 8-5, off target 8-8, blocks 8-7, crosses 31-17, corners 7-5, o/s 1-0, tackles 6-11, fouls 9-17, yellows 1-2, red 0-1, subs 3-3 . Gate - 41,826, away 3010 . Weather - autumnal . MoM - Webster. 1 Ryan, 22 Montoya Y (4 Duffy 70), 15 Webster, 5 Dunk, 33 Burn, 13 Gross, 6 Stephens, 24 Propper, 18 Mooy R, 44 Connolly (20 March 46 Y), 7 Maupay (46 Alzate 81) . Subs - 27 Button, 8 Bissouma, 11 Trossard, 17 Murray. Squad - 3 Bong, 14 Balogun, 16 Jahanbakhsh, 21 Schelotto . Injured - 19 Izquierdo, 30 Bernardo. Prem P9 . W1 D2 L1 . F5 A4 . W1 D1 L3 . F4 A8 . Pt9 Po16 = 1.00pt/gm. Wins = 22.2%, Loss = 44.4% Seasons 7-8 (1st-2nd) - not Premier League. * * * * * * * * * * * Aston Villa away, Falmer years - C'ship 16/17, Season6. Villa v Albion (A) from 11/12: -, -, -, -, -, 1-1 . W = 0 D = 1 L =0 memorable match: Season6 (A) - an afternoon at Villa Park to recall for all the right reasons. Season6 (A) Championship 7/5/17 - 1-1 ~ Murray. It was the last game of the season and for many Brighton fans a new experience. Previously BHA had been in League One when visiting here for an FA Cup R4 tie during January 2010 (see Withdean era). Looking into the future, Albion would be playing in the Prem next season, while recent ex-elite outfits like Villa, Norwich, QPR, Cardiff, Blackburn & Wigan etc would not. The rise of Seagulls had been nurtured by Chris Hughton who'd gotten them to take flight & really hit the heights in the last couple of years. Of course chairman Tony Bloom should also be congratulated in unison, for his extraordinary input at both the Amex & Lancing, to provide truly world class facilities for the club. Brighton fans 20 year journey from homelessness to become an active part of Premiership crowds requires a well documented mention again - see our archive, for Falmer diary & file, Characters & Stats. Hughton had said, 'now we want to try to finish it off at Villa. I think we'll have to win to be champions. But we want to be top and the good news is we have another chance.' *** match report: Albion finished runners-up in the Championship as it went to the wire. After a goalless first half things began to change when Hughton put March on around the hour mark. Then Baldock was brought down in the area, Ref pointed to the spot and sent off the defender. Murray stepped up to coolly slot Seagulls into the lead (64min). Bruno had to go off with ten minutes left as BHA came under increasing pressure in final stages. Stockdale made a couple of important saves but was unable to stop a punt from down range sneaking thru right at the death (89min). Hemed got on for stoppage time but it was all over bar the handclapping as Albion trooped off in second place overall. Hughton said, 'today is a negative day but there are far more pluses. What these lads have achieved this season is magnificent. We have achieved our goal. We are playing in a division where there are some very big teams, who have spent big money, and we have managed to finish in the top two.' As ever it was a rollercoaster ride for Brighton fans, although if this scenario had been forecast at very beginning of the season, most would have settled for this outcome there & then. Stats; h-t 0-0, goals 89-64, poss 53%-47%, on target 10-3, off target 4-12, corners 7-3, o/s 0-2, fouls 9-14, yellows 0-1, red 1-0, subs 3-3. Stockdale, Bruno (Rosenior), Tomori, Dunk, Pocognoli, Knockaert, Stephens, Sidwell, Murphy (March), Baldock (Hemed), Murray . att 32,856 Champ's P 46 . W28 D9 L9 . F74 A40 . Pt93 Po2 . W = 60.8% L = 19.5% Seasons 1-5 - not C'ship. * * * * * Withdean Era - 12 seasons from 1999 to 2011: No EFL meetings. 3-2 FA Cup. Noughties last there - 23/1/10 (A) FA Cup R4. Did our best both on & off the pitch and an afternoon many B'fans still remember at Villa Park.
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Previous encounters (Aston Villa )
ASTON VILLA - Home, Falmer Years: 19/20-23/24 Prem, seasons 9-13 . 16/17 C'ship, season6 . '19 EFL Cup, season9. Albion record @ Amex: W = 0 D = 3 L = 2 manager; Unai Emery (2022) P28 W = 53.5% @ July '23 . Experience: at Arsenal in days of yore. Been a winner on European circuit. Steven Gerrard (21-22) - P28 W = 35.7% @ July '22 . Experience: ex-England top Prem pro, successfully managed Rangers. Dean Smith (18-21) - P126 W = 40.4% @ Aug '21 . Experience: EFL graduate gaining his masters. ground: Villa Park 42.6k . nickname: Villans . shirt: claret, light blue sleeves. Prem record from 11/12 to 23/24; 16, 15, 15, 17, 20, (13 / 4, 5 C'ship), 17, 11, 14, 7, 7 @ 22/9/23. Prem recent best = 7th, worst = 20th . stayed up - '12, '13, '14, '15, '20, relegated '16. C21; top six - '00, '04, '08, '09, '10, top ten - '01, '02, '05, '11, '23 . bottom six - '03, '06, '12-'15, '20, relegated - '16. Prem points: 38, 41, 38, 38, 17, - - - , 35 / 55, 45, 61, 9. recent managers; Steven Gerrard (21-22), Dean Smith (18-21), Steve Bruce (16-18), Steve Clarke (2016), Roberto di Matteo (2016), Eric Black (2016), Remi Garde (15-16), Tim Sherwood (2015), Paul Lambert (12-15). 23/24 odds at start: top four 9/1, top six 3/1 . sack UE 40/1 . expected to finish: top six run in from 30/3/24: Wolves x-x (H), Man City x-x (A), Brentford x-x (H), Arsenal x-x (A), B'mouth x-x (H), Chelsea x-x (H), Brighton x-x (A), Liverpool x-x (H), Palace x-x (A) run in forecast @ 18/3/24: ?pt > ?pts . max was ? . Actual = ? . Po was xth . Actual po = xth VILLA Away: Prem. Seasn . W D L . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm %Pt . . W% L% 23/24 - 1 0 02 . 04 09 -05 .. 03 07 = 1.00 33.3 . 33.3 66.6 - Unai Emery 22/23 - 6 5 08 . 18 25 -07 . 23 07 = 1.21 37.7 . 31.5 42.1 - U Emery & S Gerrard 21/22 - 7 1 11 . 23 25 -02 . 22 14 = 1.15 48.8 . 36.8 57.8 - Steven Gerrard & Dean Smith 20/21 - 9 3 07 . 26 19 07 .. 30 11 = 1.57 54.5 . 47.3 36.8 - Dean Smith. 19/20 - 2 5 12 . 19 37 -18 . 11 17 = 0.57 31.4 . 10.5 63.1 - Dean Smith, finish 27/7/20. 16/17 - 18/19 not Premier League - see below Season6. 15/16 - 1 3 15 . 13 41 -28 . 06 20 = 0.31 35.2 . 05.2 78.9 - Remi Garde. 14/15 - 5 2 12 . 13 32 -19 . 17 17 = 0.89 44.7 . 26.3 63.1 - Tim Sherwood. 13/14 - 4 5 10 . 17 32 -15 . 17 15 = 0.89 44.7 . 21.0 52.6 - Paul Lambert. Albion v Villa (H) from 17/18: -, -, 1-1, 0-0, 0-2, 1-2 ? . . W = 0 D = 2 L = 2 . F2 A5 scorers: Trossard, Mac Allister. memorable match: Season9 (H) - a new opponent in the div but a club with plenty of previous Prem knowhow. note: for away Falmer Years results and reports scroll further below. Season13, 7th Premier League (H) Sat 4/5/24 - tba With the season coming to a climax this fixture was the penultimate home game. So far visitors habitual away record was - tba. Our Prem record at the Amex versus Villans was; ddll in four seasons to date. Not exactly a winning sequence! For various reasons we found it difficult to score against them. Both clubs had played in Europe, although for different competitions rather than qualifying groups. And... tba. In the January transfer window... tba. Current home form was; tba. At the moment Brighton were xth, while AV were xth tba. They had changed managers 3 times during our Prem years, although employing able men of varying experience. Based on previous meetings Brighton were looking for a first home victory entertaining Aston Villa. match report: tba day after result stats: ht , goals , poss %-%, on target , off target , corners , fouls , yellows , subs , shape weather: . gate: . MoM: team: subs: bench: squad: . injured: Prem P36 . W D L . F A . W D L . F A . Pt? Po? = x.xxpt/gm . W = xx% L = xx% Villans: Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% start: 05 . 03 00 02 . 11 10 01 . 09 07 = 1.80 . 60.0 40.0 - U Emery Eu Conf: Legia 3-2 (A), Zrinjski (H), AZ (A) . Hibs 0-5 (A) 3-0 (H) p-o EFL Cup: Everton (H) R3 FA Cup: R3 Oct: xth in table, xpts off xth at Q1. Season12, 6th Premier League (H) Sun 13/11/22 - L 1-2 ~ Mac Allister A Sunday lunchtime for this last Prem match prior to a prolonged break for World Cup '22 completion of groups, knockouts & finals in Qatar. Nationally Villa had started to be considered one of our bogey sides, especially if you include that single C'ship meeting here of Nov '16 during the successful promo campaign on our way to the Prem (see scroll to season6 below). Last term's setback underlined poor PL home form, which was far from fortress Amex days of level-two yester-years. We'd drawn twice here at Prem grade, in Jan '20 and Feb '21 before that first loss in Feb '22 (seasons 9-11). All those three fixtures were mid-season games played during depths of winter, which may or not be significant. The squad was superior now but had previously found it tough to get goals on a regular basis, where matches often resolved on fine margins (see scroll below). Albion head coach since September was Roberto de Zerbi and he was tasked with improving Seagulls of the Graham Potter era. Villa spent 46m by pre-season. At end of the first quarter (mid Oct) they sacked their high-profile manager, getting in an experienced replacement from Europe. So Villans hoped for a new-coach bounce - prior to anticipating a self-proclaimed rightful place among bulk of ultra-competitive mid-table clubs. In the week before this meeting Albion beat Arsenal away in the EFL Cup, while Villa got k-o'd at Man Utd. Perhaps momentum would help with fine margins. *** match report: quite how Seagulls were shot down after our flying start is another of football's hoodoos. Mac Allister put the ball in the net almost from the off (1min) - for the fastest BHA Prem goal to date. But it all went tits up from then when Lallana limped off inside 5 minutes. Next Villa got given a soft pen as Albion allowed them back into the game (20min). Early in the second period they took the lead from another home mistake with Sanchez beat at his near post - ooops (55mins). RdZ made substitutions, including taking off sub Enciso for a defender and going to 3 in rearguard. But it continued as a bad day at the Amex, something like last term - or four seasons before that campaign for the record. Several players were below par and our gameplan appeared way too predictable as a soft touch against gamesmanship from visitors. Ref had a mare, VAR got it wrong and it started to kickoff among a flurry of yellow cards. Albion only had themselves to blame coz nobody got a grip and made things happen. They say you don't actualy need a striker in the Prem these days. Oh yeah, right. But if not, what was our point man and later his sub there to do? Blue & white shirts were so static it was like looking at a line of washing hanging limp. And RdZ seemed at a loss to find a different route thru travellers block. He musta realised his squad has limitations and these are exposed time and again versus sides who sit in and run the clock down. The Italian has a lot of thinking to do during the World Cup. Hopefully he'll come up with a new master plan to beat yet more spoiling tactics at Falmer in '23. Won't he? Footnote: Albion drew 2-2 with Villa in a friendly at their winter warm-weather camp in Dubai during the WC December break. stats: ht 1-1, goals 1-20,55, poss 65%-35%, on 2-2, off 1-3, blocks 4-3, corners 11-4, o/s 3-1 fouls 14-11, yellows 3-7, subs 4-5, shape 4231-442 weather: mild . gate: 31,561 . MoM: Colwill - ok on debut. team: 1 Sanchez 13 Gross Y 5 Dunk 6 Colwill 30 Estupinan 7 March 10 Mac Allister 25 Caicedo Y 11 Trossard 14 Lallana 18 Welbeck . subs: 20 Enciso 5 (14), 21 Undav 59 (18), 34 Veltman 59 (20), 2 Lamptey 89 (30) bench: 23 Steele (gk) 27 Gilmour 28 Ferguson 29 van Hecke 43 Turns injured: 0 . rehab: 15 Moder . squad: 4 Webster 19 Sarmiento 22 Mitoma Prem: P14 . W3 D2 L2 . F11 A6 . W3 D1 L3 . F12 A13 . Pt21 Po7 = 1.50pt/gm . W = 42.8% L = 35.7% Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% total: 38 . 18 07 13 . 51 46 05 .. 61 07 = 1.60 . 47.3 34.2 - U Emery 3qtrs: 29 . 13 05 11 . 39 40 -01 . 44 07 = 1.51 . 44.8 37.9 hfwy: 19 . 07 04 08 . 22 27 -05 . 25 11 = 1.31 . 36.8 42.1 - U Emery start: 10 . 02 03 05 . 07 13 -06 . 09 16 = 0.90 . 20.0 50.0 - S Gerrard EFL Cup: Man Utd 4-2 (A) R3 . Bolton 1-4 (A) R2. FA Cup: Stevenage 1-2 (H) R3. Oct: 16th in table,4pts off 10th at Q1. Manager sacked. Jan: 11th, 3pts off 10th at halfway stage Q2. Apr: 7th, 1pt above 8th at three quarters stage Q3. May: 7th, 1pt off 6th at Q4. Qualify for Europa Conference. 22/23 odds at start: top six 11-2, top half 8-11, bottom half 10-11. Sack SG 20/1 . Expected to finish: in mid table. Run in from 8/4/23: Forest 2-0 (H), Newcastle 3-0 (H), Brentford 1-1 (A), Fulham 1-0 (H), Man Utd 1-0 (A), Wolves 1-0 (A), Spurs 2-1 (H), Liverpool 1-1 (A), Brighton 2-1 (H) Run in forecast @ 7/4/23: 44pt > 58pts . Max was 71 . Actual = 61 . Po was 7th . Actual po = 7th Season11, 5th Premier League (H) Sat 26/2/22 - L 0-2. Our recent Prem rivals from the midlands appeared to have regained their previous long-term elite status in this div. Meanwhile Seagulls required to better very basic home form against such sides and make the Amex like a fortress once more - as during our initial six Championship seasons when winning regularly here. This term's home sequence before kickoff today was: wlw dld dlw ddl. Goals for, scored per PL match were: 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 = 10. So thereby lies a true tale. Brighton fans were being sold short with: 5 fail to score stats, 4 single goal scores and just 3 braces, from our 12 games at the Amex to date. That was not much bang for your buck! Scorers at home were: Maupay 3, Trossard 2, Welbeck, Mac Allister, Duffy, Webster, og. Oh dear! That meant other regulars: Dunk, Gross, Bissouma, Lallana, March, Moder, Lamptey, Cucurella, Mwepu & Veltman were domestically all goalless, on zero and hadn't opened their accounts. Not good enough! Meanwhile Villa were not exactly making an impression on the top ten, although clubs in mid table were pretty average and already well adrift of those chasing next term's spots in Europe. * match report: Guess what? Yeah, only the Amex could house a consecutive claret cat running amok among hapless Seagulls. Hosts played as if they were on the beach already. And on a sunny afternoon it was again away support that sang & danced, while homers sat muted and frustrated in watching another abject defeat. Against early run of play visitors led from a drive down range (17min). It got worse for locals during the second period when conceding a second goal at a simple ball over the top and chase (68min). Going forward Albion were hopeless and couldn't hit a barn door, or anything else for that matter. From back to front blue & white looked clueless as how to unlock a solid unit in front of 'em. And letting opposition get two free hits didn't exactly help our goal difference either. Potter tried to take positives afterwards but it was a non-controversial exercise in verbal damage limitation. Brighton fans could see what the problem is and so what we wanted to know was how he is gonna fix it. The match-day squad appears smaller than ever, with little options for altering line ups when players go out of form. That includes the keeper situation, where BHA seem to have a policy of non-playing bench warmers in gloves. Brighton's rearguard is a shadow of former personnel - having lost Burn and Duffy seemingly sidelined. Midfield lacks a pukka playmaker or pose a threat on transition going each way. Bissouma struggled once more and of course media rumours abound as to his future. Up front we did not get that striker to better current holders of attackers shirts and so go with what we've got, grin and bear it. Potter has built a reputation on developing talent. His mantra is to play like a Prem side should and pass the ball up the pitch. We wonder if he can get more out of this squad, or whether we've missed a vital factor in expecting too much too soon. Only time shall tell. Stats: ht 0-1, goals 17,68, poss 66%-34%, on target 1-4, off target 6-2, blocks 5-3, corners 7-2, o/s 0-0, crosses 25-7, tackles 17-21, fouls 17-11, yellows 4-5, subs 1-3, shape 352-433 weather: sunny . gate: 31,475 (3095 away) . MoM: Dunk - capt's display. team: 1 Sanchez, 2 Lamptey, 34 Veltman Y, 5 Dunk, 3 Cucurella Y, 20 March, 15 Moder (18 Welbeck 63), 8 Bissouma Y 10 Mac Allister, 9 Maupay, 11 Trossard Y . bench: 23 Steele (gk), 24 Duffy, 13 Gross, 17 Alzate, 25 Caicedo, 42 Leonard, 57 Offiah, 58 Ferguson. squad: 14 Lallana, 28 Roberts . injured: 4 Webster, 12 Mwepu. Prem: P26 . W3 D5 L5 . F10 A16 . W4 D7 L2 . F15 A14 . Pt33 Po10 = 1.26pt/gm . W = 26.9% L = 26.9% Quatr: Pl . W D L . . . F A GD . . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% Total: 38 . 13 06 19 . 52 54 -02 . 45 14 = 1.18 . 34.2 50.0 3qtrs: 29 . 11 03 15 . 41 40 01 .. 36 09 = 1.24 . 37.9 51.7 Hfwy: 19 . 07 01 11 . 25 30 -05 . 22 14 = 1.15 . 36.8 57.8 - Steven Gerrard Start: 10 . 03 01 06 . 14 19 -05 . 10 15 = 1.00 . 30.0 60.0 - Dean Smith EFL Cup: Chelsea 4pen3 1-1 (A) R3, Barrow 0-6 (A) R2. FA Cup: Man Utd 1-0 (A) R3. Oct: 15th in table and 3pts above drop zone at Q1. Manager sacked in Nov. Jan: 13th, 3pts behind 10th at halfway Q2. New boss bounce. Out of FA Cup. Mar: 9th, 10pts off 8th at threequarters Q3. May: finished 14th on 45pts, 6pts off top ten. Lost half of fixtures. Season10, 4th Premier League (H) Sat 13/2/21 - 0-0 Covid attendance restrictions: lockdown 3, Tier 3/4/5 = 0 fans, (T2 = 2000, T1 = 4000). Match played behind closed doors. At very end of that belated run-in last term, during June & July '20, Villa had stayed in the Prem by getting a single point away on the final day. Following the league restarting after suspension during March (due to coronavirus outbreaks) some clubs, like Albion, hit the ground running or found good form at that critical time. Teams such as Villans & Seagulls having survived, were next expected to contest bottom six places once more. Our history of meetings wasn't extensive but taken on balance, both clubs were attempting to consolidate in this division. Therefore Brighton fans anticipated regular open play, with dual winning mentalities, rather than away sides merely parking the bus here or at other various silent venues on that long road nationwide. In the event things were indeed a tad different this term. Villa were now in the top ten, while Albion again serially struggled to get out of the bottom six. Poor home form was a contributing factor: W1 D6 L4 F11 A15. Somehow Graham Potter had to motivate players to up the ante at the empty Amex and score at least once while keeping a clean sheet. Brighton fans would be at home watching on tv and hoping their shouts of encouragement might somehow reach right into the stadium as support from afar. We'd just been knocked out of the FA Cup, so there was no better time to resume winning ways in the Prem now. * match report: Albion got a goalless draw, which was at least another clean sheet and a run of six PL fixtures unbeaten. Villa were battered (see stats below) but their keeper had an eye-catching display of saves, blocks, parries and good fortune. At end of the night we'd registered a fail to score stat but not without trying to hit the net on numerous occasions. Several players had chances, not just strikers, although none on getting into the final third could make it count. It was a re-run of many performances this term where the end product was missing to complete impressive build up, forward moves and slick passing. Any of Albion's 10 outfield personnel were capable of scoring, as current tallies suggest, however doing so was beyond them again this evening. Until that ongoing problem was solved BHA would continue in lower order, always looking over shoulders at opposition behind maybe getting closer. Seagulls football & form was up to par presently but whether the side deserves something better or not, you only get rewards for putting the ball away more times than opponents on any given day. Stats: ht 0-0, goals nil, poss 58%-42%, on target 9-1, off target 7-1, blocks 10-2, crosses 23-9, o/s 0-3, corners 9-2, tackles 11-10, fouls 16-12, yellows 2-3, subs 2-3, shape 343-4231 . Weather: very cold. Team: 26 Sanchez, 3 White, 5 Dunk, 33 Burn, 34 Veltman, 13 Gross, 8 Bissouma, 17 Alzate Y (14 Lallana 61), 10 Mac Allister, 9 Maupay (18 Welbeck 80), 11 Trossard Y . Bench: 31 Walton, 6 Karbownik, 15 Moder, 24 Propper, 22 Tau, 7 Connolly, 29 Zeqiri . Squad: 16 Jahanbakhsh, 19 Izquierdo . Injured: 2 Lamptey, 4 Webster, 20 March . MoM: Veltman. Prem: P24 . W1 D7 L4 .F11 A15 . W4 D4 L4 . F14 A15 . Pt26 Po15 = 1.08pt/gm. Wins = 20.8%, Loss = 33.3% Quatr: Pl . W D L . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% Total: 38 . 16 7 15 . 55 46 09 . 55 11 = 1.44 . 42.1 39.4 3qtrs: 29 . 13 5 11 . 42 31 11 . 44 09 = 1.51 . 44.8 37.9 Hfwy: 19 . 10 2 07 . 34 21 13 . 32 09 = 1.68 . 52.6 36.8 Start: 10 . 06 0 04 . 21 13 08 . 18 10 = 1.80 . 60.0 40.0 - D Smith. EFL Cup: Stoke 0-1 (H) R4, Bristol C 0-3 (A) R3, Burton 1-3 (A) R2. FA Cup: Liverpool 1-4 (H) R3. Nov: the first quarter finished with Villa 10th in the Prem table Jan: at the halfway stage Villans were 8th and 3pts off a Europa League place. Mar: threequarters completed they were 9th and 5pt from 5th. May: Prem eleventh and a great second season of improvement. Season9, 3rd Premier League (H) Sat 18/1/20 - 1-1 ~ Trossard. Albion had already hosted ex-Championship Villa at the Amex, for an EFL Cup R3 tie during late September (see below). We'd only previously played them here for that successful auto-promo campaign of our last year at level2 (see Season6 below). In fact we'd barely met at all this century, as BHA climbed from proverbial gutter, initially domiciled at Withdean, to the stars when wonderfully rehoused at Falmer. Villa meanwhile had been on a re-entry orbit, following many years previously at Prem level since its elite league formation in 1992. Things came down to a PL relegation battle now as both clubs wanted vital points to keep moving towards a survival target. The point was that this term nobody could say there were definitely three teams at bottom of the table who were already cut adrift without any hope. Seagulls had to up the ante from this moment because Brighton fans didn't wanna see a repeat of 2019 run-in trauma & drama here. Also, could coach Graham Potter come up with the goods to underline future credentials as a Prem boss respected for real & measured achievements? This was a very tough league with no guarantees... as Chris Hughton knew previously. * * * match report: The game ended all square but Brighton fans knew Albion had thrown two points away because of failure to put the ball twice into the net. More than that, failure to seriously hit the target or turn possession into goal-scoring opportunities. It was just more of what we have come to accept at the Amex and the crowd was pretty quiet for long periods as well. A single goal lead, from Trossard's strike (38min) was never going to be enough to ensure victory. Villa responded after the interval, while Albion merely ground to a halt in front of goal. Visitors levelled (75min), were always in the game and carried a threat to boot. Potter threw subs on to try and grab a second goal, reshaped as usual and moved men about like chess pieces. It was a tight affair, although the away outfit defended well enough to thwart any forays into their area. Albion went from side to side, backwards, down flanks and across the box but never penetrated to effect. In truth, apart from early threats our attacks were too slow and got slower as time passed. Meanwhile Villa knew how to counter with directness & pace. Potter has reached a plateau with methods and personnel employed, so the jury is out on how much he could improve this group. Bear in mind he is learning on the job as well. Meanwhile the January window was not open yet for much needed replacements. That is to say, BHA required somebody to step in before it became another winter of discontent. Stats: shape 4222-343, ht 1-0, goals 38-75, poss 56%-44%, on target 2-3, off target 3-5, blocks 5-0, crosses 11-19, o/s 2-4, corners 3-4, tackles 19-21, fouls 11-13, yellows 3-3, subs 3-3 . MoM - Bernardo . Gate - 30,551, away 3021 . Weather - dry & cold. 1 Ryan, 46 Alzate, 15 Webster Y, 5 Dunk Y, 30 Bernardo, 6 Stephens, 24 Propper, 18 Mooy (13 Gross 80), 11 Trossard (17 Murray 80), 7 Maupay, 44 Connolly (22 Montoya 68) . Subs - 27 Button, 4 Duffy, 8 Bissouma, 16 Jahanbakhsh. Squad - 3 Bong, 14 Balogun, 20 March, 21 Schelotto . Injured - 19 Izquierdo, 33 Burn. Prem: P23 . W4 D5 L3 . F16 A13 . W2 D2 L7 F10 A18 . Pt25 Po14 = 1.08pt/gm. Wins = 26.0%, Loss = 43.4% Quatr: Pl . W D L . F A GD . . . Pt Po pt/gm . W% L% Total: 38 . 9 8 21 . 41 67 -26 . 35 17 = 0.92 . 23.6 55.2 - D Smith, finish 27/7/20. 3qtrs: 29 . 7 5 17 . 34 56 -22 . 26 19 = 0.89 . 24.1 58.6 PREM SUSPENDED Hfwy: 19 . 5 3 11 . 25 33 -08 . 19 18 = 1.00 . 26.3 57.8 Start: 10 . 3 2 05 . 15 16 -01 . 11 14 = 1.10 . 30.0 50.0 - D Smith. EFL Cup: final - Man City L 1-2, s-f - Leicester 2-1 (H) 1-1 (A), q-f - Liverpool 5-0 (H), 4th rnd - Wolves 2-1 (H), 3rd rnd - Brighton 1-3 (A), 2nd rnd - Crewe 1-6 (A). FA Cup: Fulham 2-1 (A) R3. Aug: left in the bottom three, although did score enough times to reduce goal difference. Oct: eased into lower mid table by end of start Q1. New Year: just above d-z but dumped out of FA Cup by ex-Prem outfit. March: in 19th d-z place when PL suspended. EFL Cup finalists. July: outside d-z on last day and made it count when results all came in. Season9 EFL Cup R3 (H) Wed 25/9/19 - L 1-3 ~ Roberts. Albion drew Villa, for this evening knockout competition, with a home tie - after both Prem clubs got past lower league opposition away at end of August. Each outfit now had an option to field a similar second eleven, or maybe go with a full strength side as a potential way of progressing at shorter odds. Graham Potter had already blooded U23 academy graduate Aaron Connolly & ex-EFL youngster Steven Alzate at Prem level, having earlier dispensed with services of ex-PL strikers Hemed, Knockaert, Andone & Locadia during August. None of those previously figured in the R2 cup-tie squad but plenty of U23s & fringe players had made up match-day ranks. On the day Potter had multiple injury problems among his senior squad, so selected the youngest Prem side to play anywhere at elite level this season so far. * * * match report: In the event Villa proved superior with their experienced team and were two up by the break (22 & 33 mins). Roberts headed home a set piece around the hour mark and Connolly came off immediately afterwards. But unfortunately Duffy sustained injury ten minutes later and left the battle. Villa soon enough sealed it via another goal as BHA youngsters desperately defended their area again & again (77min). Potter was pleased with his U23 virgin outfit, many of whom made debuts on a night of boys versus men. Brighton fans at least got to see how far the U23 squad was behind the curve in their development as pros, bearing in mind lots of contemporaries were already out on loan either in the EFL or abroad. It was a numbers game but just maybe a few could eventually make the grade in future. Perhaps the academy system required more meaningful competition, as in knockouts like this and the EFL Trophy, to sort chaff from wheat. Stats: shape 343-433, ht 0-2, goals 61-22,33,77, poss 30%-70%, on target 6-10, off target 8-18, corners 3-11, fouls 7-11, yellows 2-1, subs 3-3. MoM - Roberts . Gate - 14,982, away 2305 . Weather - mild & dry. 27 Button, 58 Roberts Y, 4 Duffy (49 Yapi 72), 3 Bong, 51 A Davies, 72 Jenks (71 Spong 82), 28 Baluta, 50 Cochrane, 44 Connolly (60 Longman 58), 45 Richards Y, 55 Gwargis . Subs - 23 Steele, 52 J Davies, 53 O'Hora, 56 Radulovic. Seasons 7-8 (1st-2nd) - not Premier League. VILLA Previous Prem: Sesn . W D L . . . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm . . W% L% 22/23 - 18 7 13 . 51 46 05 . 61 07 = 1.60 . 47.3 34.2 - Unai Emery @ 28/5/23 Came from bottom six early in campaign to sustain a challenge for last place in Europe and succeeded too 21/22 - 13 6 19 . 52 54 -02 . 45 14 = 1.18 . 34.2 50.0 - Steve Gerrard @ 21/5/22 Made progress from a lowly position after change of manager. Pressure on to deliver better next term. 20/21 - 16 7 15 . 55 46 09 .. 55 11 = 1.44 . 42.1 39.4 - Dean Smith @ 24/5/21 Substantial improvement to end up top of the bottom half and much closer points-wise to top ten than to 12th position. 19/20 - 09 8 21 . 41 67 -26 . 35 17 = 0.92 . 23.6 55.2 - Dean Smith. PL SUSPENDED, complete @ 27/7/20. Went to the last day for decider and guess what? Somehow they stayed in the div. 16/17 - 18/19 not Premier League - see below Season6. 15/16 - 03 8 27 . 27 76 -49 . 17 20 = 0.44 . 07.8 71.0 - Remi Garde. 14/15 - 10 8 20 . 31 57 -26 . 38 17 = 1.00 . 26.3 52.6 - Tim Sherwood. 13/14 - 10 8 20 . 39 61 -22 . 38 15 = 1.00 . 26.3 52.6 - Paul Lambert. 12/13 - 10 11 17 47 69 -22 . 41 15 = 1.07 . 26.3 44.7 11/12 - 7 17 14 . 37 53 -16 . 38 16 = 1.00 . 18.4 36.8 FA CUP; from 11/12 - 4th rnd, 4th, 3rd, final, 4th, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 3rd. LEAGUE CUP; 3rd, s-f, 3rd, 2nd, 4th, 1st, 3rd, 2nd, final, 4th, 3rd, 3rd. * * * * * * * * * * * Aston Villa home, Falmer years - C'ship 16/17, Season6. Albion v Villa (H) from 11/12: -, -, -, -, -, 1-1 . W = 0 D = 1 L = 0 memorable match: Season6 (H) - when we finally hosted the ex-Prem outfit.. Season6 (H) Championship 18/11/16 - 1-1 ~ Murray. This first fixture against the ex-Prem midlands outfit was moved to a Friday night tv slot, following the customary November international break. Albion had established at second place in the Championship after an unbeaten run of 10 matches, including 8 victories. Meanwhile Villa were languishing in 14th, undefeated at home but merely one win away in 8 games. Chris Hughton had Seagulls squad in good form, especially at the Amex - six wins from 8 games. Also BHA had kept six clean sheets there, scoring 17 against 4. And goals conceded were 2 in each of the single draw & loss. Hughton knew his preferred starting eleven by now and had benefit of a strong bench and a fit squad too. In fact there was quality cover in most positions across & down the pitch, apart from a couple due to injury. In build up to this fixture assistant Colin Calderwood quit for a job at Villa. *** match report: Visitors took the lead after hosts failed to capitalise on early chances. From a f-k the ball went over and skimmed off a head to beat Stockdale's dive (20min). Albion huffed & puffed but couldn't seem to put passes together. Then just prior to h-t a final fluid move saw Murray smack a great 25 yarder into the bottom corner (45m). After the interval Villa pressed hard while Seagulls were forced into rearguard action. Hughton put Murphy into the fray with twenty mins left and later Norwood arrived but little changed. Stockdale made a couple of superb saves to keep parity as travellers went to win it at the death. The match was competitve and open but never dirty. Brighton fans were entertained in a full house but could see a tad more was needed to go beat a good football playing outfit. It was a fair result at end of the day. Stats; h-t 1-1, goals 20-45, poss 59%-41%, on target 2-2, off target 4-5, corners 2-12, o/s 4-2, fouls 13-15, yellows 1-2, subs 2-2 . att 30,107. Stockdale, Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Bong, Knockaert (Norwood), Sidwell, Stephens, Skalak, Baldock (Murphy), Murray. Champ's P17 . W10 D5 L2 . F26 A10 . Pt35 Po2 . W = 58.8% L = 11.7% Seasons 1-5 - not C'ship. * * * * * Withdean Era - no league meetings H&A in 12 seasons between 1999 and 2011.
Aston Villa - Away, Falmer Years: 19/20-23/24 Prem, seasons 9-13 . 16/17 C'ship, season6. Albion record @ Villans: W = 1 D = 1 L = 3 VILLA @ Home: Villa Park. Seasn . W D L . F A GD . . Pt Po pt/gm %Pt . . W% L% 23/24 - 02 0 0 . 07 01 06 .. 06 07 = 3.00 66.6 . 100.0 00.0 - Unai Emery 22/23 - 12 2 5 . 33 21 12 .. 38 07 = 2.00 62.2 . 63.1 26.3 - Unai Emery & Steven Gerrard 21/22 - 6 5 08 . 29 29 00 .. 23 14 = 1.21 51.1 . 31.5 42.1 - Steven Gerrard & Dean Smith 20/21 - 7 4 08 . 28 26 02 .. 25 11 = 1.31 45.4 . 36.8 42.1 - Dean Smith. 19/20 - 7 3 09 . 22 30 -08 . 24 17 = 1.26 68.5 . 36.8 47.3 - Dean Smith, finish 25/7/20. 16/17 - 18/19 not Premier League - see below Season6. 15/16 - 2 5 12 . 14 35 -21 . 11 15 = 0.57 64.7 . 10.5 63.1 - Remi Garde. 14/15 - 5 6 08 . 18 25 -07 . 21 17 = 1.10 55.2 . 26.3 42.1 - Tim Sherwood. 13/14 - 6 3 10 . 22 29 -07 . 21 15 = 1.10 55.2 . 31.5 52.6 - Paul Lambert. Villa v Albion (A) from 17/18: -, -, 2-1, 1-2, 2-0, 2-1, ? . . W = 1 D = 0 L = 3 . F4 A7 scorers: Webster, Welbeck, March, Undav. memorable match: Season10 (A) - bagged the lead twice and hung on to repel hosts advances in a venue devoid of home support. note: for home Falmer Years results & reports scroll further up. Season13, 7th Premier League (A) Sat 30/9/23 - 12:30 ko Brighton & Aston Villa played in the PL Summer Series held in America during July '23. Today's hosts defeated Fulham 2-0 but drew with Newcastle 3-3 and Brentford 3-3. Then back for friendlies in Europe; lost at Rushall 3-2 (A) but beat both Lazio 3-0 (H) and Valencia 1-2 (A). We'd now each entered separate European knockout competitions and also just completed EFL Cup R3 ties. Villa began in the Euro Conference play-off round beating Hibs 8-0 on agg and progressing to group stage. Last term Albion finished 6th (62pts) and Villans 7th (61pts) in the Prem, giving us a 1pt +ve difference. Since joining the elite, Brighton had finished 15, 17, 15, 16, 9, 6, while AV were x x 17, 11, 14, 7. Hosts were hoping to improve their overall status this season. Our Prem record at Villa Park versus Villans was; lwll in the last four seasons to date. Those three defeats stand out. We had scored there but unfortunately with majority of negative outcomes. Going into this last day of Sept lunchtime match BHA were xth and Villa were xth tba. The midland outfit had spent 84m in the Aug transfer window on 2 buys, plus a loan and one free. Hosts head coach Unai Emery was tasked with ambitions of turning the Birmingham club into top-six regulars. Based on previous meetings Brighton were looking to avoid another consecutive defeat at well-drilled Aston Villa. * match report: tba 24 hr after result stats: ht , goals , poss %-%, on target , off target , corners , fouls , yellows , subs , shape weather: . gate: . MoM: team: 23 Steele 6 Milner 29 van Hecke 5 Dunk 30 Estupinan 8 Dahoud 13 Gross 7 March 9 Pedro 18 Welbeck 22 Mitoma subs: tba bench: 1 Verbruggen 3 Julio 4 Webster 11 Gilmour 14 Lallana 24 Adingra 28 Ferguson 34 Veltman squad: 2 Lamptey 20 Baleba 31 Fati 40 Buonanotte . injured: 10 Enciso 15 Moder Prem P7 . W2 D0 L1 . F8 A5 . W2 D0 L0 . F7 A2 . Pt? Po? = x.xxpt/gm . W = xx% L = xx% Season12, sixth Premier League (A) Sun 28/5/23 - L 2-1 ~ Undav This was the very last game of the current season. Villa Park had proved a difficult place to visit and Seagulls seemed to suffer there for a variety of reasons (see away scroll below). And it all began at the then ex-Prem venue very late in May '17 of our C'ship promo year prior for advancement into the elite league (season6). It wasn't that we couldn't win here, more a nature of the random turn of events during 90+ minutes, plus vagaries of VAR etc. We'd initially lost in Oct '19 then won in Nov '20 but were defeated again last term in Nov '21, to complete a 1:2 reverse ratio of two beatings out of three scraps (seasons 9-11). After playing Villa at the Amex in mid November (see home scroll above) both clubs went to Dubai for their warm-weather camps during the '22 World Cup finals held in December. Under Roberto de Zerbi Albion drew 2-2 out there with Villa in a multi-squad friendly. Since then we'd hit heights of 6th place, an FA Cup s-f at Wembley, plus at least 3 extra trips away when getting into the Europa League next term. Meanwhile Villans were still in with a shout for the 'lesser' Europa Conference place. And the story continues because Albion & Villa were two Prem clubs selected to next play in America during pre-season. But of course super success this term was breeding great expectations for future involvement in all four competitions, both at home & abroad and also in the States Summer Series during late July. * match report: Albion might be seen abroad soon but kinda missed the boat in Birmingham. Conceding two goals inside the half hour mark was no way to book a passage into first class, on a day when our Prem journey ended in disappointment. Poor defending cost visitors from the get-go and locals piled on the pace to grab & double the lead (8 & 26mins). Seagulls slowly got back into it and Undav netted from a quick Gross f-k (38mins). From then on it was a slog as both sides huffed & puffed in a dogged scrap when each would rather be on the actual beach. So Villans continued to be a bit of a bogey side for us, using plenty of muscle to boot. Pattern of play is usually determined by who got the first goal - maybe travelling support were on a hiding to nothing either way in a noisy stadium. One problem with the De Zerbi method is that clean sheets are infrequent and so we have to out-score opposition in another multi-goal game. That's tough to net twice every time you set foot on the pitch. Majority of Prem results are from 0-0 to 2-2 over 38 fixtures. RdZ might wanna be revolutionary but he won't alter basic stats, where keeping opponents out at least gets the one point you started with. But lets finish on positives and say congrats to; Roberto for coaching genius, Tony Bloom for BHA's admirable culture, Paul Barber for CEO of the year and the whole squad for giving Brighton fans a record-breaking season to write into folklore. stats: ht 2-1, goals 8,26-38, poss 41%-59%, on 5-4, off 7-4, corners 4-3, fouls 15-16, yellows 4-4, subs 1-5, shape 4231-442 weather: warm . gate: . MoM: ? - no takers team: 23 Steele 34 Veltman 4 Webster 6 Colwill 13 Gross 40 Buonanotte 26 Ayari 10 Mac Allister 20 Enciso 21 Undav 28 Ferguson subs: 30 Estupinan 45 (34), 25 Caicedo 45 (26), 29 van Hecke 66 (4), 22 Mitoma 66 (20), 71 Hinshelwood 89 (21) bench: 38 McGill (gk) 5 Dunk 18 Welbeck 27 Gilmour injured: 2 Lamptey 7 March 14 Lallana 19 Sarmiento . squad: 1 Sanchez 15 Moder 49 Moran Prem: P38 . W10 D4 L5 . F37 A21 . W8 D4 L7 . F35 A32 . Pt62 Po6 = 1.63pt/gm . W = 47.3% L = 31.5% Season11, 5th Premier League (A) Sat 20/11/21 - L 2-0 The Prem resumed following a fourth international break. Brighton fans were very happy to hit the road north since end of October on Merseyside. Albion away form last term had helped keep our outfit clear of relegation threats - but not in so-called six pointers against drop-zone candidates. In fact our record versus clubs higher up the table was responsible for majority of those points gained on the road. We were now back at Villa Park, where we'd gotten three points previously and were hoping to replicate that feat. After August transfer deadline Potter had just a couple of new signings, a trimmed down squad and many fringe players sent out on loan. So we were going with what we'd got and hoping a campaign plan would come together. Dean Smith had brought Villa thus far and in pre-season signed three, spending around 100m received for 'offloading' former talisman Grealish. Pundits then still put this suburban Birmingham outfit in with a live chance for upsetting regular established big-six metropolitan clubs. But while Albion's start had been so much more than lower order once again, Villa appeared to be seriously under achieving and Smith got sacked. He was replaced by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, fresh from success at Rangers north of the border. * match report: Albion crashed to defeat, conceding twice in the last few minutes of normal time, despite having superior possession throughout. It was a return to bad old days of struggling to make & take chances, lack of being clinical and failing to be ruthless in front of goal. Potter set up with three in defence, plus two wingbacks and a false no.9 as point man. But one fundamental problem from our years in the Prem is getting enough goals from across the squad thru a season. And those weak totals figures applied once more, registering a fail to score stat - our fourth from 12 fixtures. A turning point came when Lamptey was withdrawn and hosts moved up on that flank for a final push. Albion still had momentum but were hit on the break (84min). Afterwards it was backs to the wall and we let a second sloppy goal in at the death (89min). Potter said; we didn't do enough to score, made a mistake and gave them a chance to win. Brighton fans could see what Potter is trying to achieve (his one hundredth game today), although do wonder why our strike force is lightweight at this level. Goals win games and successful clubs have potent goal scorers. Unfortunately Seagulls cannot seem to find goals from across the pitch to assist those up front having an off day. If you don't think that matters then check out our archive for stark records of players who didn't get it over the line, in all possible senses. Stats: ht 0-0, goals 84,89, poss 37%-63%, on target 5-2, off target 1-0, blocks 3-4, corners 5-7, crosses 19-24, o/s 1-0, tackles 16-15, fouls 7-13, yellows 3-3, subs 3-3, shape 433-352. weather: mild . gate: 41,925, away 2975 . MoM: Lamptey - did best. team: 23 Steele, 4 Webster Y, 24 Duffy, 5 Dunk, 2 Lamptey (9 Maupay 79), 13 Gross (10 Mac Allister 89 Y), 8 Bissouma, 14 Lallana, 3 Cucurella Y (20 March 64), 15 Moder, 11 Trossard . bench: 16 Scherpen, 30 Richards, 33 Burn, 34 Veltman, 60 Sarmiento. squad: 7 Connolly, 28 Roberts. injured: 12 Mwepu, 17 Alzate, 18 Welbeck. Prem: P12 . W2 D2 L2 . F6 A8 . W2 D3 L1 . F6 A6 . Pt17 Po9 = 1.41pt/gm . W = 33.3% L = 25.0% Season10, 4th Premier League (A) Sat 21/11/20 - W 1-2 ~ Welbeck, March. This fixture was played in an empty stadium as per imposed recurrent lockdown pandemic protocols. It followed the second pause to our fourth ongoing but late starting Prem season. Away trips had to provide more points this campaign if Albion were to climb the table from previous lowly finishes. Clubs like Villa were obvious targets for getting a result; based on law of averages, second season syndrome, lightning twice striking, lady luck or fickle finger of fate. In reality, managerial influences, current form, squad experience and events on the field counted for more. Clubs that found themselves in lower order positions tended to stay there, especially those in the bottom six. So Albion's brief was fundamentally not to get beat and when gaining possession, turn it into on targets. By playing those percentages, one chance from many should go in. Anything less would maintain a current prevailing negative trend. The first quarter period was approaching its cut off date next week and results thus far could then be dissected - logically but mostly realistically in cold light of day. * match report: Albion took home three valuable points, although it was all hands to the pumps at the death. Welbeck got his first BHA goal with a solo run between each half and chip finish (12min). Villa tried hard to restore parity but remained one behind come the interval. Lallana didn't appear for the second period. Hosts quickly levelled on turnaround from a set piece that Seagulls were merely ball watching rather than marking the runner (47min). Quite soon visitors were ahead once more when March finished a Gross lateral area pass with a super shot (56min). Villans went hell for leather to equalise and Potter took off Maupay as time ran out, going to 541 in a do or die rearguard battle. Lamptey received 2 very late yellows and was sent off in stoppage. Ref signalled a pen against March at the death but reversed his decision when reviewing via pitchside monitor. Potter was pleased with this result, where for once to date the proverbial ball broke in favour BHA. The Prem was being greatly influenced by VAR decisions thus far, so we hoped that come next May things would have evened out in the long run. Travellers away record looked respectable at present but domestic results needed addressing next, to move Albion out of the bottom six, after Q1 analysis at end of this month. Trouble was, Liverpool were our next fixture due at the Amex and with no fans allowed to be there a vital twelfth man would again be missing in support of better home form. Stats: ht 0-1, goals 47-12,56, poss 55%-45%, on target 4-3, off target 6-3, corners 12-3, o/s 2-0, crosses 41-16, blocks 5-1, tackles 7-18, fouls 5-18, yellows 2-2, red 0-1, subs 2-3 . Weather: dry, cloudy. Team: 1 Ryan, 2 Lamptey R, 3 White, 5 Dunk, 4 Webster, 20 March, 13 Gross (49 Molumby 96), 8 Bissouma Y, 14 Lallana (34 Veltman 46), 9 Maupay (33 Burn 80), 18 Welbeck . Bench: 23 Steele, 17 Alzate, 16 Jahanbakhsh, 7 Connolly. Squad: 19 Izquierdo, 29 Zeqiri, 30 Bernardo . Injured: 11 Trossard . Sick: 10 Mac Allister, 24 Propper . MoM: Welbeck. Prem: P9 . W0 D2 L2 . F4 A7 . W2 D1 L2 . F9 A8 . Pt9 Po16 = 1.00pt/gm. Wins = 22.2%, Loss = 44.4% Season9, 3rd Premier League (A) Sat 19/10/19 - L 2-1 ~ Webster. A much anticipated renewed league meeting with Villa occurred just after the second international break, during October. Through coincidence we'd recently played them, last month at the Amex, in an EFL Cup R3 tie. It was a Prem fixture now, although had hardly crossed paths previously (see Season6 below) with the ex-Prem midlands outfit. And late in the noughties Withdean era we'd only visited here for an FA Cup R4 tie, when Albion were a League One club. Anyway the state of play currently was Seagulls, now under coach Graham Potter, had accumulated just enough points to reside in midtable with Villans. This upcoming contest would supposedly show how each outfit had progressed thus far, bearing in mind the relative spending power of each PL sides owners. BHA hadn't gone overboard with pre-season signings, while Villa had splashed those millions well into three figures. Both squads were altered compared to last term but for different reasons. Quite a number of previous Seagulls players were now gone or out on loan, to make way for summer replacements or U23s on the up. * * * match report: Albion were beaten right at the death after leading until just before the break. Webster nodded in from Gross f-k to highlight useful play from visitors during the first half (21min). Then Mooy got sent off for two quick bookables and the game changed dramatically (31 & 35min). Villa soon had the ball in the net but it was chalked off by VAR. Moments later they equalised on stroke of halftime and it gave hosts a vital lift (45+min). Potter withdrew Connolly for March at start of the second period, leaving Maupay alone up front. Albion huffed & puffed but everything remained the same while the clock ticked down. Potter put Duffy in after Montoya got a yellow and later Alzate went on, moving March to point. Seagulls flapped a few times at the back but Ryan held firm as last line of defence. But deep into stoppage Villa bagged their winner (90+4min). Potter said, 'I'm not one to criticise referees but you will see worse red cards.' Brighton fans were choked, especially after witnessing two goals against in time added on. It was a double psycological moment for all away concerned and not one for a happy outcome. At end of the day BHA went home with nothing, minus a player banned to boot. Stats: shape 43-442, ht 1-1, goals 45,90-21, poss 49%-51%, on target 8-5, off target 8-8, blocks 8-7, crosses 31-17, corners 7-5, o/s 1-0, tackles 6-11, fouls 9-17, yellows 1-2, red 0-1, subs 3-3 . Gate - 41,826, away 3010 . Weather - autumnal . MoM - Webster. 1 Ryan, 22 Montoya Y (4 Duffy 70), 15 Webster, 5 Dunk, 33 Burn, 13 Gross, 6 Stephens, 24 Propper, 18 Mooy R, 44 Connolly (20 March 46 Y), 7 Maupay (46 Alzate 81) . Subs - 27 Button, 8 Bissouma, 11 Trossard, 17 Murray. Squad - 3 Bong, 14 Balogun, 16 Jahanbakhsh, 21 Schelotto . Injured - 19 Izquierdo, 30 Bernardo. Prem P9 . W1 D2 L1 . F5 A4 . W1 D1 L3 . F4 A8 . Pt9 Po16 = 1.00pt/gm. Wins = 22.2%, Loss = 44.4% Seasons 7-8 (1st-2nd) - not Premier League. * * * * * * * * * * * Aston Villa away, Falmer years - C'ship 16/17, Season6. Villa v Albion (A) from 11/12: -, -, -, -, -, 1-1 . W = 0 D = 1 L =0 memorable match: Season6 (A) - an afternoon at Villa Park to recall for all the right reasons. Season6 (A) Championship 7/5/17 - 1-1 ~ Murray. It was the last game of the season and for many Brighton fans a new experience. Previously BHA had been in League One when visiting here for an FA Cup R4 tie during January 2010 (see Withdean era). Looking into the future, Albion would be playing in the Prem next season, while recent ex-elite outfits like Villa, Norwich, QPR, Cardiff, Blackburn & Wigan etc would not. The rise of Seagulls had been nurtured by Chris Hughton who'd gotten them to take flight & really hit the heights in the last couple of years. Of course chairman Tony Bloom should also be congratulated in unison, for his extraordinary input at both the Amex & Lancing, to provide truly world class facilities for the club. Brighton fans 20 year journey from homelessness to become an active part of Premiership crowds requires a well documented mention again - see our archive, for Falmer diary & file, Characters & Stats. Hughton had said, 'now we want to try to finish it off at Villa. I think we'll have to win to be champions. But we want to be top and the good news is we have another chance.' *** match report: Albion finished runners-up in the Championship as it went to the wire. After a goalless first half things began to change when Hughton put March on around the hour mark. Then Baldock was brought down in the area, Ref pointed to the spot and sent off the defender. Murray stepped up to coolly slot Seagulls into the lead (64min). Bruno had to go off with ten minutes left as BHA came under increasing pressure in final stages. Stockdale made a couple of important saves but was unable to stop a punt from down range sneaking thru right at the death (89min). Hemed got on for stoppage time but it was all over bar the handclapping as Albion trooped off in second place overall. Hughton said, 'today is a negative day but there are far more pluses. What these lads have achieved this season is magnificent. We have achieved our goal. We are playing in a division where there are some very big teams, who have spent big money, and we have managed to finish in the top two.' As ever it was a rollercoaster ride for Brighton fans, although if this scenario had been forecast at very beginning of the season, most would have settled for this outcome there & then. Stats; h-t 0-0, goals 89-64, poss 53%-47%, on target 10-3, off target 4-12, corners 7-3, o/s 0-2, fouls 9-14, yellows 0-1, red 1-0, subs 3-3. Stockdale, Bruno (Rosenior), Tomori, Dunk, Pocognoli, Knockaert, Stephens, Sidwell, Murphy (March), Baldock (Hemed), Murray . att 32,856 Champ's P 46 . W28 D9 L9 . F74 A40 . Pt93 Po2 . W = 60.8% L = 19.5% Seasons 1-5 - not C'ship. * * * * * Withdean Era - 12 seasons from 1999 to 2011: No EFL meetings. 3-2 FA Cup. Noughties last there - 23/1/10 (A) FA Cup R4. Did our best both on & off the pitch and an afternoon many B'fans still remember at Villa Park.
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