EPL: Aston Villa Edge Past Brighton with Late Own Goal Winner

Aston Villa defeats Brighton 

Aston Villa beat Brighton 1-0 at Villa Park thanks to Jack Hinshelwood's late own goal, boosting their top-four hopes in the Premier League.

Brighton immediately pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but it wasn’t forthcoming...

Aston Villa snatched a crucial win over Brighton with Jack Hinshelwood scoring an own goal late in the game. This win boosts Villa's top-four hopes and puts pressure on chasing teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea.

Villa needed this win, and it was a big moment for James Milner, who became the sixth player to notch 100+ Premier League wins for two clubs. Brighton's struggles continue, with just one win in their last 13 PL games.

But despite potential perks of entertaining a struggling Brighton side who came into the encounter with one victory in 12 PL outings, the first half was tepid at best – even if the hosts did find themselves in several dangerous positions.

Morgan Rogers' effort from a tight angle, which was comfortably saved by Bart Verbruggen, marked their best chance.

Nevertheless, history was made before the interval as Brighton’s James Milner, formerly of Villa – replaced the cautioned Carlos Baleba inside the opening 20 minutes for his 653rd PL appearance, drawing him level with all-time record holder Gareth Barry

The second period started similarly to the first, only with Brighton threatening more frequently. Shortly before the hour mark, the Seagulls went closest thus far as Emiliano Martínez produced a stunning fingertip save to tip Ferdi Kadıoğlu’s rasping drive onto the crossbar.

Both managers then turned their benches in an attempt to give their respective sides extra impetus, yet both teams dealt well with what was thrown at them.

Villa had far more possession as the end neared, but just as it looked like they would have only a point to show for it, they found a winner in the final five minutes.

The goal was fortuitous, as Tyrone Mings’ flick-on took a big deflection off Hinshelwood on its way past Verbruggen, although no one in the Holte End cared.

🟣 @AVFCOfficial leave it late to pick up an important three points! pic.twitter.com/WgDKBkJIvx

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 11, 2026

Brighton immediately pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but it wasn’t forthcoming, allowing Villa to see out the remainder of the game.

Villa's win puts them five points behind Arsenal, with the Gunners playing Brentford next. The big deal is they're now six points ahead of Chelsea in fifth.

Brighton's woes continue - they're seven points above the relegation zone, with a terrible run ongoing.