EPL: Brighton Fall to 4-3 Defeat Against Aston Villa

Aston Villa mount stunning comeback to beat Brighton 4-3, Ollie Watkins scores two goals

Aston Villa fought back from 2-0 down to beat Brighton 4-3 at the Amex Stadium, strengthening their position in the Premier League's top four with their sixth successive win across all competitions.

Aston Villa made an incredible comeback, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 4-3 win over Brighton at the Amex Stadium....

Aston Villa made a stunning comeback, fighting back from 2-0 down to beat Brighton 4-3 at the Amex Stadium. Unai Emery's team strengthened their position in the Premier League's top four, achieving their sixth consecutive win across all competitions.

Goalkeeper Marco Bizot, making just his third PL start, had a tough start, with Brighton taking a 2-0 lead. However, Aston Villa's determination and resilience paid off, as they rallied to score four goals and secure a thrilling victory.

The 34-year-old had a shaky start, flapping at a ninth-minute corner and allowing Jan Paul van Hecke to score Brighton's second goal of the season. This was the fifth Premier League goal Villa had conceded in the first 15 minutes this season, with none scored.

This early setback put Villa on the back foot, struggling to cope with Brighton's attacking pressure. Van Hecke's goal was a result of some pinball on the line, catching the Villa defense off guard.

Goalkeeper Marco Bizot had a shaky start, flapping at a ninth-minute corner and allowing Jan Paul van Hecke to score Brighton's second goal of the season. This was the fifth Premier League goal Villa had conceded in the first 15 minutes this season, with none scored.

Aston Villa went 2-0 down just before halftime, with Jack Hinshelwood's square pass deflecting off Pau Torres and past Bizot for an unfortunate own goal. Brighton had scored at least twice in six successive home games, but the momentum was about to shift dramatically.

Villa pulled a goal back eight minutes before halftime, with Ollie Watkins scoring a brave goal, sliding home in a crowded six-yard box to convert Ian Maatsen's low cross. This marked a turning point in the game, as Villa began to gain momentum.

Ezri Konsa's header hit the post deep in stoppage time, but there was still time for another goal. Ollie Watkins scored his ninth goal in 10 league matches against Brighton, racing onto a long ball and firing low past Bart Verbruggen.

A seven-goal thriller as @AVFCOfficial make it four consecutive Premier League victories! 📈 pic.twitter.com/ez5ooFzfSB

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 3, 2025

Aston Villa took the lead with a stunning comeback, scoring two more goals. Matty Cash's deep corner was headed home by Amadou Onana, sparking celebrations in the away end. The goal sparked bedlam, with Villa fans erupting in joy as they took the lead for the first time.

Lewis Dunk almost scored an own goal on his 500th Brighton appearance, but Verbruggen made a great save to deny him. Villa continued to press, and their fourth goal arrived 12 minutes from time, when Donyell Malen – who had come on as a substitute just 25 seconds earlier – prodded home after Verbruggen parried Guessand's header.

Jan Paul van Hecke scored his second goal of the match with a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area seven minutes from time, setting up a grandstand finish. Despite a late Brighton's push, Aston Villa held on to secure a 4-3 win, suffering their first home league defeat of the season.