Danny Ings believes Aston Villa have “something to build on” after he scored twice to guide his side to their first Premier League away win of the season against Brighton.
Ings struck after Alexis Mac Allister had claimed Brighton’s fastest goal in the Premier League with an opener after just 49 seconds.
“This was the perfect way to finish [before the World Cup break],” the Villa striker told BBC Sport. “We knew how tough it was going to be.
“To come here and get the win was massive for us.”
Mac Allister put Brighton ahead when he took the ball from Douglas Luiz, following a heavy pass from Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez, and slotted in.
But Ings levelled from the penalty spot in the 20th minute after Lewis Dunk fouled John McGinn in the box.
Despite the game being relatively open, Villa were better in the final third and they continued to cause problems for Brighton.
Luiz made up for his earlier error when he played a part in his side’s 54th-minute winner. He challenged Mac Allister on the edge of the box before pushing the ball into the path of Ings who tucked away a calm finish at the near post.
“Today we were speaking about [Ings’] best position,” added Villa boss Unai Emery. “If he can have players to assist him with good balls he can be between two centre-backs. He played very well.”
Despite their bright start and having much of the possession in the game, Brighton did not do enough to trouble Villa keeper Martinez.
They drop to seventh place, while Villa go into the break for the World Cup sitting in 12th, five points clear of third-bottom Nottingham Forest. (BBC)