December 04, (THEWILL) — Aston Villa produced a remarkable second-half performance to overturn a two-goal deficit and defeat Brighton and Hove Albion 4-3 at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The result saw Villa climb to third in the English Premier League table, opening a five-point gap over their opponents who started the match in fifth position.
Brighton appeared in control during the opening period after Jan Paul van Hecke took advantage of Marco Bizot’s mistake to give the home side the lead.
Jack Hinshelwood doubled the advantage with a low effort that deflected off Pau Torres, leaving Villa with a mountain to climb.
Ollie Watkins sparked the visitors’ revival with two goals before the interval, his first in the EPL for over two months.
The striker’s brace brought Villa level and shifted momentum ahead of the break.
Amadou Onana headed Villa in front on the hour from Matty Cash’s corner delivery, before Donyell Malen extended the lead with what proved a crucial fourth goal.
Van Hecke reduced the deficit with a powerful strike from distance seven minutes from time, but Villa held on through a tense conclusion.
The victory maintains Villa’s strong campaign and leaves Brighton facing questions after surrendering its early dominance.
Watkins’ return to form proved decisive in a match that delivered seven goals and nonstop drama.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
