Aston Villa fought back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday. The win propels Aston Villa up to third place in the Premier League table.

Brighton started strongly, with Jan Paul van Hecke scoring from close range following a corner in the 9th minute. Controversy surrounded the corner, as Aston Villa players felt the ball had come off a Brighton player last. Shortly after, a Pau Torres own goal in the 29th minute extended Brighton's lead.

Ollie Watkins, who had only scored once in his previous 19 appearances, then turned the game around with two goals before halftime. Watkins reduced the deficit in the 37th minute, forcing in a low cross from Ian Maatsen. He then equalized, latching onto a through ball from Morgan Rogers and beating Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. These were Watkins' eighth and ninth career goals against Brighton.

In the second half, Amadou Onana completed the comeback, heading in from a Matty Cash corner. Donyell Malen, a substitute, extended Villa's lead, making it 4-2. Van Hecke scored again in the 83rd minute, setting up a tense finish. Despite Brighton's late pressure, Aston Villa held on to win.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery made multiple changes to the starting lineup, with Marco Bizot replacing Emiliano Martinez in goal after Martinez was injured during the warm-up. Ross Barkley was ruled out due to a knee injury. Brighton were without Georgino Rutter, who had suffered a head injury in the previous game.

The victory marks Aston Villa's eighth win in their last nine Premier League matches. It also inflicts Brighton's first home defeat of the season. Aston Villa's next match is at home against Arsenal, while Brighton will host West Ham.