Yellow Submarine sunk by Seagulls: Brighton 4-0 Villarreal photos
Under 12,000 Albion supporters were present to watch Brighton 4-0 Villarreal but that did not stop us collecting some lovely photos from the first Amex Stadium outing of 2024-25.
Which also means it was the first Amex Stadium outing under Fabian Hurzeler. The youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history had taken charge of two games in Japan and one away against QPR but this was his first time in front of the Brighton home faithful.
And it all went quite swimmingly. The Seagulls sunk the Yellow Submarine 4-0, taking their free-scoring friendly form onto 14 goals in four matches.
A blockbuster finish from PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Joao Pedro put Brighton ahead. Danny Welbeck added two to the scoreline with new £30 million signing Yankubu Minteh also on target.
Brighton’s pressing was relentless despite it being the hottest weekend of the year. The way in which they tore down the flanks proved equally impressive, although there remain concerns defensively.
Villarreal could and probably should have taken the lead inside of 60 seconds. Had the Yellow Submarine been clinical, the scoreline might have been 4-3 rather than 4-0.
Premier League clubs will be much more ruthless if the Albion present them with such opportunities. Something for Hurzeler to work on in the lead up to the season opener at Everton.
Other notable aspects from the return to the Amex included the new sound system. Thank you to whoever sent in the photo of one of numerous bloody great speakers which have been installed.
The dulcet tones of Richie Reynolds and Freed From Desire during a post-game light show are going to sound even better in 2024-25.
Outside the ground and the new Fan Zone is coming on nicely, although rumours that the price of a pint is to increase to £7 are of concern.
If a warm, flat Fosters costs so much when Manchester United visit in a fortnight, how much will the £5.50 scotch egg have gone up to?
If you have any photos you would like included in our Brighton 4-0 Villarreal gallery please e-mail them to wearebrighton@hotmail.co.uk or tweet them to us @wearebrighton
