Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Aston Villa - News - December 03, 2025 | FOX Sports

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・December 3, 2025 December 03 Dec 03

Paul van Hecke's brace not enough as Aston Villa knocks off Brighton

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American Express Community Stadium, Falmer, ENG

Mats Wieffer - Assists opener against Villa Wieffer assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-3 loss versus Aston Villa.

Impact Wieffer had a decent outing in Wednesday's defeat against the Villains, breaking up several early transitions and helping his side establish a two-goal lead with a clever assist for the opening goal of Jan Paul van Hecke. He kept his passing simple while being well positioned in defense to contribute to six tackles two interceptions and three clearances. Wieffer has now contributed to a total of three clearances in 12 Premier League appearances one away from his career high from last campaign.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Jack Hinshelwood - Assists in defeat Hinshelwood assisted once to go with four shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Aston Villa.

Impact Hinshelwood replaced the injured Stefanos Tzimas (knee) midway through the first half and quickly tilted the game in Brighton's favour. In the 29th minute he burst clear down the right and fired a low cross that deflected off Pau Torres and flew past Marco Bizot for the 2-0. The versatile midfielder was very active throughout the game, contributing to two season highs with four shots and three clearances before finding an assist for the second goal of Jan Paul van Hecke, that created hopes for a late comeback that did not happen. Hinshelwood is expected to get starting chances in upcoming fixtures given the numerous injuries in the Seagulls side.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Jan Paul Van Hecke - Scores brace in defeat van Hecke scored two goals to go with three shots (three on goal) in Wednesday's 4-3 loss versus Aston Villa.

Impact van Hecke opened the scoring in the 9th minute when he punished Marco Bizot's misjudgement of a corner, forcing the ball over the line from close range. He then dragged Brighton back into the game at 4-2 down, drilling a low finish from just inside the box in the 83rd minute. Defensively he contributed to a season high three interceptions but his offensive stats were the most impressive ones on Wednesday as he targeted all of his three shots, an impressive outing as a center-back. van Hecke has now scored three goals in the Premier League, a career high in a senior league for the defender.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Bart Verbruggen - Six saves in defeat Verbruggen registered six saves and allowed four goals in Wednesday's 4-3 loss versus Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 54th minute.

Impact Verbruggen conceded four in a chaotic game against Aston Villa on Wednesday, yet still made six saves, a season high across all competitions, including a strong push-away from a dangerous Villa cross early in the second half. His best stop came in the 78th minute when he reacted sharply to parry Evann Guessand's header, only to see Donyell Malen score from the rebound. He also dealt with a series of inswinging corners under heavy traffic as Villa ramped up set-piece pressure. Verbruggen stopped a series of decent games as he conceded only one goal and secured three clean sheets in the four games before this one. The goalie will look to show a better figure against West Ham United on Sunday.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Morgan Rogers - Delivers assist for equalizer Rogers assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 4-3 victory over Brighton.

Impact Rogers was one of Villa's best performers between the lines against the Seagulls on Wednesday, repeatedly dribbling through the defense with the ball at his feet. His standout contribution came in first half stoppage time when he spotted Ollie Watkins' run and launched the long pass that sent the striker through to equalize. He continued to link play on the break, often initiating transitions that forced Brighton backwards. Rogers is in a brilliant form, having scored two goals and delivered two assists in the last four games across competitions to go with nine chances created.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Matty Cash - Assists from corner in victory Cash assisted once to go with six crosses (two accurate) and five corners in Wednesday's 4-3 win over Brighton.

Impact Cash delivered the 60th-minute corner that Amadou Onana converted, swinging the ball into a crowd at the back post for the midfielder to attack. From right-back he offered constant overlap and width, especially once Villa were chasing the game at 2-0 down. Defensively, he had shaky moments early as Brighton's left side found space, but he recovered to contest crosses and help see out the final minutes. His set-piece quality and work rate were central to Villa's second-half pressing, highlighted by his two chances created, five corners and six crosses.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Evann Guessand - Provides assist against Brighton Guessand assisted once to go with two shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 4-3 victory against Brighton.

Impact Guessand struggled to impose himself in the first half against the Seagulls on Wednesday despite setting Ollie Watkins' first goal in the 37th minute. He improved after the break, attacking space on the right and then getting free in the box to power a header toward goal that Bart Verbruggen could only parry before Donyell Malen scored the rebound to give a two-goal lead for the Villians. His off-ball intensity rose noticeably in the closing stages, helping Villa defend from the front.

DECEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE