Roberto De Zerbi admits Brighton did not beat ‘the true Aston Villa’ after Joao Pedro’s late header secured Seagulls’ first win in seven matches
- Joao Pedro scored with a rebound as Brighton defeated Aston Villa at the Amex
- Roberto De Zerbi says the visitors were ‘tired’ after the Europa Conference League
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Roberto De Zerbi admitted Brighton failed to beat ‘the real Aston Villa’ after his side ended a miserable run with their first win in seven games.
Joao Pedro’s late goal, who scored from the rebound after his spot-kick was saved by the excellent Robin Olsen, proved the difference, but the Seagulls were the better side throughout.
“To be honest, Villa weren’t themselves, maybe a little tired,” said the Italian. ‘They play in the Europa Conference League and have a lot of injuries.
“I’m proud because we played a great game against one of the best teams in the Premier League.
‘Playing against Unai Emery’s teams is very tough. We played well, we deserved to win, we could have scored more goals. I think Olsen was the best player for Villa.”
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi admitted his side did not beat ‘the real Aston Villa’
The Seagulls ended a miserable run with their first win in seven games thanks to Joao Pedro (R)
There is clearly a lot of mutual admiration between De Zerbi and Emery and there is symmetry in the story of their seasons.
Both have thrown themselves into competitive and European campaigns full throttle and have suffered a series of injuries as a result.
Although the best Brighton can hope for now is a place in the top half, a first-ever Champions League qualification remains in sight for Villa.
“Maybe so, but it’s no excuse for us,” Emery said when De Zerbi’s assessment of his team’s fatigue was presented to him.
‘We lost and we didn’t deserve more. We joined in and tried to stop them.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery says fatigue was not a valid excuse and his side deserved to lose
‘They created more chances than us and were dangerous. We needed the goalkeeper and he was here. Robin Olsen was fantastic.”
Emery now faces a trip to Greece on Thursday, where they trail Olympiacos 4-2 in the first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final.
“The most important thing now is rest,” he added. “Thursday is more difficult for us against Olympiacos, but we will be there. We have to try to recover players.”