Aston Villa ended their recent poor run with a hard-fought 1-0 home victory over Brighton & Hove Albion to strengthen their grip on a top-four place tonight.
Tyrone Mings’ late effort deflected off Jack Hinshelwood and wrong-footed Bart Verbruggen, handing Unai Emery’s side three points they scarcely merited on the balance of play.
Villa struggled to impose themselves for long spells and lacked fluency in possession, but they found a way to prevail when it mattered most.
The first half was short on quality, with Morgan Rogers’ tight-angle strike comfortably saved by Verbruggen, standing as the hosts’ clearest opening before the interval.
Brighton gradually grew into the contest and carried the greater threat after the break.
James Milner, introduced early for his 653rd Premier League appearance to equal Gareth Barry’s record, nearly marked the milestone with a goal but was denied by Emiliano Martinez.
Martinez was called into more serious action just before the hour mark when he produced a superb fingertip save to divert Ferdi Kadioglu’s fierce drive onto the crossbar.
That moment underlined Brighton’s growing control as they dominated much of the second period and appeared the more likely side to find a breakthrough.
Villa were often sloppy in transition and struggled to generate meaningful service for Ollie Watkins, while their usual creative spark was muted.
Emery turned to his bench in search of renewed impetus, but clear-cut chances remained scarce as the match drifted towards a stalemate.
Just as Brighton seemed poised to claim a deserved point, Villa forced a late set-piece situation that ultimately proved decisive.
Mings’ touch in the crowded penalty area took a significant deflection off Hinshelwood and looped beyond Verbruggen, sparking relief around Villa Park.
Villa were unconvincing, but the outcome was invaluable in the context of the race for Champions League qualification.
They remain third in the table and have extended their advantage over key rivals chasing the final qualification spots.
Recent displays had raised questions following defeats on home soil and inconsistent performances, but this result restores momentum at a pivotal stage of the campaign.
