Fabian Hurzeler led his Albion team out at the Amex for the first time this afternoon (Saturday, August 10) – and deployed a side full of attacking talent.
The Spanish visitors hit the post early on and caused problems with balls over the top but Albion managed to keep a second successive clean sheet – and secured their fourth win from four pre-season games.
Joao Pedro marked his return to the side with a belting strike from the edge of the area before fellow striker Danny Welbeck made it two with a composed finish – assisted by Yankuba Minteh.
Minteh was once again a livewire and he scored his third goal of pre-season in the second-half. It was a classy finish by the former Newcastle man, who has made a real impression for Hurzeler’s side so far.
Hurzeler rung the changes in the second half but still on the pitch to win – and slot home – a late penalty was veteran striker Welbeck. With this goal, the 33-year-old joined Minteh as the pre-season top scorer.
That sealed a fine afternoon’s work for Albion with plenty of really positive signs as they prepare for their first Premier League game of the season away at Everton next weekend.
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13. Adam Webster - 6
Solid at the back when he replaced Lewis Dunk. Villarreal barely threatened Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
14. Jeremy Sarmineto - 6
Involved in a lovely move with Adingra which got the fans off their seats. Had a low driven shot well saved after being teed up by Welbeck. A lot more to come from the Ecuadorian Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
15. Carlos Baleba - 7
A lovely pass by Baleba led to the third goal. He is starting to show more confidence in a Brighton shirt and he could be set for a big season Photo: Masashi Hara / Getty Images
16. Jack Hinshelwood - 6
Brilliant to see Hinshelwood return after a long injury lay-off. It was his first appearance at the Amex since February so he needs time to get back to the level he was at last season. It was his pass to Welbeck that led to the penalty late on |Rest of the substitutes: Simon Adingra - 6: Lovely link-up play with Sarmiento got the fans excited. Looked sharp when he came on and went close to scoring | Yasin Ayari - 6: Made a nuisance of himself with runs into the box and passed the ball well | Amario Cozier-Duberry - 6: Energetic off the bench and had a shot well saved | Mark O’Mahony - N/A | Andrew Moran - N/A Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images