Tammy Abraham struck in the 93rd minute to cap a dramatic encounter, as Aston Villa edged Sunderland 4–3 after nearly letting a two-goal advantage slip late on.
Abraham diverted Lucas Digne’s cross beyond Robin Roefs to give Unai Emery’s team a crucial win, pushing them 10 points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea and strengthening their Champions League ambitions.
The game, however, looked far more comfortable earlier. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring just 98 seconds in, heading home after Matty Cash released John McGinn, whose lofted delivery found him at the far post.
Sunderland responded quickly, with Chris Rigg equalising in the ninth minute—his first Premier League goal—after Noah Sadiki laid the ball off from Nordi Mukiele’s cross.
Amadou Onana then rattled the crossbar as Villa pushed on, and Watkins restored the lead before half-time, finishing into an empty net after Morgan Rogers set up Ian Maatsen to deliver across goal.
Villa extended their advantage just after the restart when McGinn’s pressing sparked a move that ended with Watkins setting up Rogers, whose strike went in off the post.
But Sunderland mounted a late comeback. Trai Hume pulled one back with four minutes left, curling home after winning possession from Jadon Sancho. Just 58 seconds later, Wilson Isidor made it 3–3, finishing off a pass from Enzo Le Fee.
Emiliano Martinez then kept Villa in it with a key save from Habib Diarra, who had attempted an audacious dink when through on goal.
That miss proved costly. Moments later, Digne delivered from the left and Abraham applied the decisive touch to seal a thrilling victory.
Data Debrief: Wonderful Watkins
Watkins has now reached double figures for goals in all six of his Premier League seasons—a feat bettered only by Sadio Mane, who achieved it across more campaigns.
Beyond scoring, Watkins has also built a strong partnership with Rogers. The pair have combined for over 10 league goals for Villa this season, joining duos like John Carew and Ashley Young, and Gabriel Agbonlahor with Young.
Rogers’ goal also ended a seven-game run without a goal or assist in the league.
Still, Villa needed late drama. Abraham’s winner—created by Digne—marked the first time the club has scored a 90th-minute Premier League winner through two substitutes combining.
Despite the loss, Sunderland showed attacking threat, but Villa’s edge in chance creation, with 2.67 expected goals to Sunderland’s 1.67, underlined why they ultimately came out on top.
