Watkins shines, Aston Villa comes from behind to beat Brighton in a 7-goal match

(NLDO) – Despite conceding two goals, Aston Villa created a spectacular comeback to defeat host Brighton 4-3 with a brilliant double from Ollie Watkins.

Traveling to the AMEX Stadium, the visiting team Aston Villa was at a disadvantage when the number one goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was injured while warming up. This incident forced coach Unai Emery to use the number two goalkeeper Marco Bizot and everything started from there.

Marco Bizot and the position of "reluctant substitute"

It was Marco Bizot who made the mistake of missing the ball in the 9th minute after Brighton took a corner kick, creating an opportunity for Jan Paul van Hecke to head in from close range, opening the score for Brighton.

Jan Paul van Hecke headed the opening goal for Brighton

The confusion continued to haunt the Birmingham representative. In the 29th minute, Jack Hinshelwood accelerated and crossed, the ball hit Pau Torres's foot and changed direction, flying straight into the net, causing Villa to receive an unbelievable second goal.

Brighton took a two-goal lead after less than half an hour

It seemed like the game was out of control, Aston Villa fought back and were rewarded. In the 37th minute, Ian Maatsen crossed low for Ollie Watkins to finish in the box, reducing the score to 1-2.

Ollie Watkins reduced the score to 1-2

In the first half's injury time, Ezri Konsa headed the ball into the post, signaling a fierce counter-attack. Just seconds later, Watkins accelerated to receive a long pass over the line and finished diagonally, equalizing 2-2 in the stunned home crowd.

Ollie Watkins completed his double in the final minutes of the first half

Having only scored one goal in 19 appearances in all competitions this season due to a knee injury, Ollie Watkins really shined with a double in less than 10 minutes. The England striker also managed to score his 9th goal in 10 appearances against Brighton in the Premier League.

With Harry Kane still without a suitable partner in the England attack, Watkins still has 6 months to convince coach Thomas Tuchel before he finalizes the "Three Lions" list to participate in the 2026 World Cup. The brilliant performance against Brighton, therefore, could not be a better start for the English star.

Amadou Onana headed home to put Aston Villa ahead

In the second half, Aston Villa completed a spectacular comeback. In the 60th minute, from a corner kick by Matty Cash, Amadou Onana jumped high and headed the ball into the net, putting the visitors ahead for the first time, 3-2. The high spirits helped Villa continue to rise. In the 78th minute, Donyell Malen, who had just entered the field for less than half a minute, left his mark with a successful rebound after Guessand's header was blocked by the goalkeeper, raising the score to 4-2.

Donyell Malen scored the fourth for Aston Villa

Just when the match seemed to be over, Brighton rose strongly. In the 83rd minute, Van Hecke curled a beautiful shot from the edge of the penalty area, reducing the score to 3-4. In the final minutes, the home team pressed suffocatingly. In the extra time, Marco Bizot - who had made a mistake leading to the first goal - made a spectacular atonement when he dived to block Danny Welbeck's dangerous header, preserving a dramatic victory for Aston Villa.

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Source: https://nld.com.vn/watkins-toa-sang-aston-villa-nguoc-dong-ha-brighton-tran-cau-7-ban-19625120407440426.htm