Tammy Abraham netted a last-minute winner to aid Aston Villa in enhancing their Champions League qualification chances with an exhilarating 4-3 victory against Sunderland.
Villa were on the verge of losing their position in the top-five contest after a 3-1 advantage was erased in just 58 seconds right before the 90th minute.
Abraham connected with fellow substitute Lucas Digne’s low curling cross and redirected the ball into the net off his shin.
The outcome indicated that Villa stayed in fourth place in the Premier League standings and increased their advantage over sixth-placed Chelsea to 10 points with only 15 points remaining to compete for.
Ollie Watkins took only two minutes to give the hosts the lead by heading in John McGinn’s cross from close range at the back post, but Sunderland quickly equalized with a curling shot into the far corner from teenager Chris Rigg.
Watkins regained Villa’s advantage with another header, finishing off Ian Maatsen’s cutback in the 36th minute.
Immediately following the restart, the 30-year-old assisted Morgan Rogers, who effortlessly scored against Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a low shot.
Villa appeared to be heading for an easy victory, but Jadon Sancho lost possession to Trai Hume, who sent in a shot from a narrow angle in the 86th minute.
Sancho then lost possession once more, enabling Wilson Isidor to break free and score, bringing Sunderland level with a precise finish.
The guests nearly secured it moments before Abraham’s goal when Habib Diarra’s one-on-one attempt was saved by Villa goalie Emiliano Martinez, while his teammate Chemsdine Talbi would have faced an empty net had he passed.
