Aston Villa complete stunning comeback to end Brighton’s home streak | OneFootball

Aston Villa produced a remarkable comeback to win 4-3 at Brighton and extend their impressive form with a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions.

Unai Emery’s side recovered from two goals down inside half an hour before overpowering the hosts in a frantic second half to hand Brighton their first home defeat of the Premier League season.

The match brought together two teams in strong form, with Brighton having won three of their previous four league matches and Villa chasing a fourth straight win.

Jan Paul van Hecke opened the scoring when he reacted quickest to a corner that replacement goalkeeper Marco Bizot failed to collect after being drafted in moments before kick-off.

Brighton doubled their lead soon after when a counterattack ended with Jack Hinshelwood’s attempted pass striking Pau Torres and wrong-footing Bizot for an unfortunate own goal.

Villa looked overwhelmed at that point but found a lifeline when Ollie Watkins slid in at the near post to finish Ian Maatsen’s cross.

Watkins then collected a long pass over the defence and fired a confident finish to make it 2-2 before the interval.

The striker’s two first-half goals ended his lengthy scoring drought and shifted momentum decisively towards Villa.

Villa controlled the game after half-time and completed the turnaround when Amadou Onana arrived at the far post to convert a corner.

Brighton struggled to regain composure in open play and were repeatedly exposed in transitions by Villa’s pace and direct running.

Donyell Malen extended Villa’s lead with his first involvement, reacting fastest after Bizot pushed a header back into the six-yard box.

The goal continued an impressive personal run for Malen, who has now scored six times in his last six appearances.

Brighton responded with urgency and reduced the deficit when Van Hecke drove in his second of the night from the edge of the area.

The hosts pressed late on and forced Bizot into an outstanding save to deny Danny Welbeck in stoppage time.

Villa held firm during a chaotic finale and were rewarded for their ruthlessness and energy in both boxes.

The result strengthens Villa’s position as serious top-four contenders after a run of twelve wins from their last fourteen league games.

It also highlighted improvement in their attacking depth, with Emery benefitting from decisive contributions from Watkins and Malen.

Brighton will take encouragement from their attacking spells but defensive uncertainty cost them at key moments.

They had not tasted defeat at home this season before Villa’s comeback and fell short despite a promising opening period.