Ollie Watkins snapped his 11-game scoring drought in style, netting twice in the first half as Aston Villa mounted a sensational comeback to edge Brighton 4-3 at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton had looked set to leapfrog Villa in the Premier League standings after Jan Paul van Hecke’s early opener and a Pau Torres own goal put them firmly in control.
But Watkins, who had scored just once in his previous 19 appearances, struck his ninth and tenth career goals against the Seagulls to drag Villa level before goals from Amadou Onana and Donyell Malen sealed the turnaround.
Van Hecke’s second of the night created late nerves, yet Unai Emery’s revitalised side held on for their eighth win in nine league outings, dealing Brighton their first home defeat of the campaign.
Villa were forced into late disruption as Marco Bizot started between the sticks, replacing Emiliano Martínez who pulled out during the warm-up.
Brighton captain Lewis Dunk marked his 500th appearance for the club as Fabian Hürzeler made three changes to his lineup.
The hosts benefitted from controversy nine minutes in when an incorrect corner decision against Villa led to Bizot failing to claim Ferdi Kadioglu’s dangerous cross, allowing Van Hecke to stab in at the far post.
Watkins passed up a golden chance to equalise just before Brighton doubled their advantage.
Substitute Jack Hinshelwood, brought on early for the injured Stefanos Tzimas, burst down the left after a sharp exchange with Brajan Gruda and his low ball deflected off Torres and into the net.
Brighton’s strong home record, ten matches unbeaten since April’s 3-0 loss to Villa, was broken open as the visitors hit back in the 37th minute. Ian Maatsen surged clear down the flank after a denied penalty appeal and supplied a driven cross that Watkins slid in to convert.
The first half ended in total chaos as Villa, who had just seen a handball appeal waved away following Ezri Konsa’s header against the post, punished Brighton on the break. Morgan Rogers sent Watkins racing through to slam home the equaliser in added time.
Villa then completed the comeback on the hour mark. Matty Cash swung in another teasing corner and Onana rose highest to nod in at the far post, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Bart Verbruggen denied Lewis Dunk an own goal with a fine reaction stop, but he could not prevent Villa from extending their lead when Malen, introduced moments earlier, bundled in after the goalkeeper parried Evann Guessand’s header.
Van Hecke’s composed strike from the edge of the box set up a dramatic finish, and Bizot had to produce a superb save to keep out Danny Welbeck deep into stoppage time.
Ultimately, Villa saw out the result to claim a sixth straight victory across all competitions and maintain their charge near the top of the table.
