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Ollie Watkins’ double at Brighton is bad news for Aston Villa ’s Champions League-chasing rivals.

A statement win on the south coast has cemented Villa’s position in the top four heading into a mouthwatering clash with league leaders Arsenal this weekend, as Watkins helped Villa come from behind to win a seven-goal thriller at the Amex.

Watkins, who had only scored once in 19 matches before tonight, bagged a brace before the break to make it 2-2.

Villa’s momentum carried on in the second period as Amadou Onana turned the game on its head, before Donyell Malen added a fourth. Jan Paul van Hecke threatened to stage a late comeback for the hosts, but Villa held on, with Marco Bizot making a crucial stop to deny Danny Welbeck in added time.

The victory - and the manner of i

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