Aston Villa secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Brighton at Villa Park, thanks to a late own goal from Jack Hinshelwood, keeping their European hopes alive.
Aston Villa snatched a crucial 1-0 Premier League victory against Brighton & Hove Albion at Villa Park. A late own goal from Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood in the 87th minute proved the decisive moment in a tight affair.
Unai Emery's Aston Villa entered the fixture third in the Premier League, aiming to solidify their Champions League position. Brighton, under Roberto De Zerbi, occupied 13th place, seeking to improve their inconsistent form. Villa needed a win to maintain their top-four challenge.
The match began with immediate tension. Brighton's Carlos Baleba received an early yellow card for a foul just two minutes in. This booking likely influenced his substitution in the 22nd minute for James Milner, a tactical move to avoid a second yellow.
Brighton continued accumulating cautions; Joel Veltman also earned a yellow in the 23rd minute. The physical contest escalated. Villa’s Emiliano Martínez and Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke both received bookings for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 41st minute.
The first half was a cagey affair. Resilient defences from both sides meant neither team created many clear attacking opportunities. Shots from distance were common, but genuine threats were scarce.
At the interval, the score remained goalless. It was a midfield battle rather than an attacking spectacle. Both managers needed to find a way to unlock stubborn defences. The home crowd hoped for a second-half breakthrough.
The second half intensity continued, with Villa's Morgan Rogers receiving a yellow card in the 50th minute. Unai Emery quickly sought more creativity, introducing Jadon Sancho and Emiliano Buendía in the 60th minute.
Roberto De Zerbi responded, bringing on Othmane Boscagli for Jan Paul van Hecke in the 61st. Villa then made further attacking changes, introducing Amadou Onana and Ollie Watkins in the 74th and 75th minutes, pushing for a winner.
Brighton countered with a triple substitution in the 81st minute, bringing on Kaoru Mitoma, Diego Gómez, and Danny Welbeck. Douglas Luiz entered for Villa in the 84th minute, setting the stage for late drama.
With just three minutes remaining, Villa's persistent pressure finally paid off. A late cross into the Brighton box led to Jack Hinshelwood inadvertently turning the ball into his own net in the 87th minute. Villa Park erupted in celebration.
Statistics highlighted the tight contest. Aston Villa narrowly edged Brighton on expected goals (xG 0.49 to 0.46) and total shots (14 to 9). Villa managed only one shot on target compared to Brighton's three. Ball possession was evenly split at 50%.
This gritty win sees Aston Villa maintain their strong position in the Premier League top three. Brighton remain in 13th place, disappointed after a determined defensive effort. Villa's Champions League ambition gains vital momentum from this result.
