Aston Villa came from two goals down to edge a chaotic seven-goal thriller at Brighton, with their 4-3 win sending them third in the Premier League.
Villa suffered a nightmare start on the south coast as an error from goalkeeper Marco Bizot – a late replacement for Emiliano Martinez – and Pau Torres’ own goal saw Brighton go 2-0 up after 29 minutes.
But Ollie Watkins’ double, which ended his 11-game goal drought, sensationally brought Villa level before half-time.
Villa completed the comeback through Amadou Onana’s 60th-minute header before substitute Donyell Malen scored with his first touch to give Villa a two-goal lead in the 78th minute.
But Brighton 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 for Van Hecke’s opener 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 victory moves Unai Emery’s side six points off leaders Arsenal, whom they face on Saturday at Villa Park.
Brighton, who suffered a first home defeat this season, will have the chance to bounce back on Sunday as they host West Ham, live on Sky Sports.
WATCH: How the seven-goal thriller unfolded
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Jan Paul van Hecke heads Brighton in front against Aston Villa!
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Pau Torres’ own goal gives Brighton a two goal lead against Aston Villa!
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Ollie Watkins pulls one back for Aston Villa against Brighton!
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Ollie Watkins with a brace to fire Aston Villa level with Brighton!
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Amadou Onana scores Aston Villa’s third as they take the lead against Brighton!
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Donyell Malen bundles in Villa’s fourth of the night against Brighton!
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Too little too late!? Jan Paul van Hecke grabs a goal back for Brighton!