Aston Villa came from two goals down in a chaotic seven-goal thriller at Brighton, with a 4-3 victory that sent them up to third in the Premier League.
Villa experienced a nightmare on the south coast as a mistake by goalkeeper Marc Bizo – a late substitute for Emiliano Martinez – and a Pau Torres own goal put Brighton 2-0 up after 29 minutes.
But Ollie Watkins’ double, which ended his 11-goal drought, sensationally brought Villa level before half-time.
Villa then completed the comeback with Amadou Onan’s header in the 60th minute, before substitute Donjel Mullen scored with his first touch to give Villa a two-goal advantage in the 78th minute.
Brighton then threatened a comeback of their own as Jan Paul van Hecke scored his second of the game just five minutes later.
Bizot then atoned for his mistake when Van Hecke opened the game with a fine stoppage-time save to deny Brighton substitute Danny Welbeck and ensure Villa held on for a sixth straight win in all competitions.
The dramatic win moves Unai Emery’s side six points clear of leaders Arsenal, who they meet at Villa Park on Saturday.
Brighton, who suffered their first home defeat of the season, will have the chance to bounce back on Sunday when they host West Ham, Live Ski Sports.
WATCH: How the seven-goal thriller unfolded
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Jan Paul van Hecke leads Brighton ahead of Aston Villa!
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Pau Torres’ own goal gives Brighton a two-goal advantage against Aston Villa!
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Ollie Watkins pulls one back for Aston Villa against Brighton!
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Ollie Watkins with the apparatus to dismiss Aston Villa on a level with Brighton!
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Amadou Onana scores Aston Villa’s third goal in the lead against Brighton!
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Donjel Mullen plays in Villa’s fourth game against Brighton!
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A little too late!? Jan Paul van Hecke pulls back a goal for Brighton!