Aston Villa 1–0 Brighton: Tyrone Mings Strike Keeps Emery’s Title Hopes Alive at Villa Park

Aston Villa ended their Premier League victory drought at Villa Park as Tyrone Mings, with a little help from Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, handed Unai Emery’s side a crucial win in a game largely defined by defensive discipline and a lack of clear-cut chances.

Villa’s last home league victory had come against Nottingham Forest at the start of the new year, and this narrow triumph reignites their ambitions as they continue to track Manchester City and Arsenal in the title race. With just twelve fixtures remaining, Emery’s men have revived belief that the championship battle is far from decided.

Cagey First Half Defined by Milner Milestone

The opening 45 minutes were disappointing from both sides. Neither team showed real penetration or creativity in the final third. Aston Villa registered ten shots in the Brighton half but managed just one effort on target. Brighton, meanwhile, produced only two attempts in the entire half, matching Villa with one on target.

Villa’s best opportunity fell to Emiliano Buendía just before half-time, but he dragged his effort wide from the edge of the area. Moments later, Amadou Onana was dispossessed in midfield by James Milner, who quickly found Danny Welbeck. However, the Brighton striker rushed his shot and fired straight at Emiliano Martínez despite having space on the edge of the box the Seagulls’ clearest opening of the half.

The first period will also be remembered for James Milner equalling Gareth Barry’s Premier League appearance record. The Leeds-born midfielder was introduced just 22 minutes in for Carlos Baleba, who had picked up an early booking and narrowly avoided a second after fouling Onana. Fabian Hürzeler opted for caution to protect his side’s chances, and Baleba left the pitch visibly frustrated.

Milner’s 653rd Premier League appearance came against a club where he once made over 100 appearances, receiving a warm reception from the Villa Park crowd.

Brighton Pressure Before Villa Breakthrough

Brighton began the second half with greater urgency and dominated the opening fifteen minutes. Kaoru Mitoma curled an effort narrowly wide of Martínez’s far post before Ferdi Kadıoğlu forced the Argentine into his first serious save of the game. The Turkish full-back struck the woodwork in the 54th minute after Danny Welbeck capitalised on a loose clearance from Ian Maatsen.

Villa were momentarily shaken and needed a response to avoid a third consecutive home league defeat something not seen in the top flight in recent years.

Brighton’s defensive resilience continued to frustrate Villa’s attacking quartet of Jadon Sancho, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendía. Emery responded with decisive tactical changes, introducing Tammy Abraham, Leon Bailey and Ross Barkley, alongside handing a debut start to Gremio signing Alysson, who joined for £10.5 million.

The substitutions shifted momentum.

Mings Delivers on Milestone Night

The breakthrough arrived from a set piece. Leon Bailey’s delivery found Tyrone Mings inside the area, and with a slight deflection off Jack Hinshelwood, the ball beat Bart Verbruggen and found the net.

On his 200th appearance in claret and blue, Mings delivered a goal that could prove significant in Villa’s season. It was not a classic, but it was priceless.

The victory ensures Aston Villa remain firmly in the title conversation with fewer than thirteen games left in the campaign.

What It Means

Brighton remain 14th, now only seven points above the relegation zone. Fabian Hürzeler’s side travel to Merseyside to face Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round before a Premier League clash with Brentford in West London.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, stay at Villa Park to face Newcastle United in the FA Cup before hosting Leeds United in the league. With confidence restored and momentum regained, Emery’s side keep their noses in the title race.