Aston Villa staged a stunning comeback at the American Express Stadium on Wednesday, overturning a 2-0 deficit to claim a 4-3 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. Jan Paul van Hecke’s early goal and Pau Torres’ own goal gave Brighton a two-goal lead, but Ollie Watkins, who had only scored once this season, leveled matters before half-time with a brace.
Amadou Onana put Villa ahead in the second half, and substitute Donyell Malen added a fourth almost instantly after coming on. Van Hecke’s late strike gave Brighton hope, but Villa held on for their sixth consecutive win across all competitions. Watkins’ performance impressed, with his clinical finishing earning him a key role in Villa’s resurgence.