Aston Villa snatch dramatic victory as late misfortune sinks Seagulls

Jack Hinshelwood’s agonising late own goal condemned Brighton to another defeat as Aston Villa strengthened their grip on a Champions League spot.

The victory moves Unai Emery’s side five points clear of fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table.

It was a cruel blow for the visitors, who had looked likely to secure a valuable point in a tight contest under the lights at Villa Park.

Late drama decides tight contest

The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute just as the game appeared destined for a stalemate.

Tyrone Mings rose highest to connect with a corner, but his header deflected off the unfortunate Hinshelwood to find the back of the net.

That stroke of luck ended a worrying run of two consecutive home defeats for the Midlands club.

Despite the fortuitous nature of the winner, the relief inside the stadium was palpable as the hosts consolidated third place.

Hurzeler feels the pressure

For Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, the result compounds a difficult week on the south coast.

Coming off the back of a painful derby defeat by Crystal Palace, the Seagulls offered a spirited response but ultimately lacked a cutting edge.

Ferdi Kadioglu came closest to breaking the deadlock for the visitors before the late drama unfolded.

However, his effort was spectacularly tipped onto the crossbar by Emiliano Martinez, denying Hurzeler’s men a lead their performance perhaps warranted.

Villa grind out vital result

The hosts struggled to create clear chances from open play throughout a tense ninety minutes.

Yet, Emery will be delighted by the resilience shown by his team to find a way to win when not at their fluid best.

The result puts significant daylight between Villa and the chasing pack in the race for European qualification.