Tammy Abraham rescued Aston Villa with a dramatic stoppage-time strike, securing a remarkable 4-3 triumph against Sunderland that strengthens their pursuit of Champions League football.
The substitute found the net in the 93rd minute, deflecting Lucas Digne's curling delivery into the goal off his shin after Villa had somehow allowed a two-goal advantage to evaporate.
Just moments earlier, the hosts appeared destined to surrender precious points, having seen their 3-1 cushion disappear in a chaotic 58-second spell before the 90th minute.
Villa's victory ensures they hold onto fourth position in the Premier League, extending their advantage over sixth-placed Chelsea to 10 points with only 15 remaining.
Tammy Abraham scored a 93rd-minute winner in a Premier League thriller against Sunderland
|REUTERS
Ollie Watkins wasted little time making his mark, nodding home from close range at the back post after just two minutes following John McGinn's delivery from the flank.
The Black Cats responded swiftly through teenage midfielder Chris Rigg, whose curling strike nestled into the far corner to level proceedings.
Watkins restored Villa's advantage before half-time with his second header of the afternoon, this time meeting Ian Maatsen's cutback in the 36th minute.
Shortly after the interval, the 30-year-old turned provider, setting up Morgan Rogers who comfortably slotted past Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a composed low finish to make it 3-1.
What appeared a comfortable victory unravelled spectacularly in the closing stages, with Jadon Sancho's carelessness proving costly twice in quick succession.
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The away end at Villa Park erupts as Wilson Isidor puts Sunderland level! pic.twitter.com/2klo14OzVM
The winger surrendered possession to Trai Hume, who bent an effort into the net from a tight angle in the 86th minute to reduce the deficit.
Sancho then gave the ball away once more, allowing Wilson Isidor to race through unchallenged and slot home a low finish to draw Sunderland level.
The visitors came agonisingly close to completing an astonishing turnaround just seconds before Abraham's intervention, with Emiliano Martinez producing a vital save to deny Habib Diarra from a one-on-one opportunity.
Chemsdine Talbi might have had an open goal had he opted to pass rather than shoot during that frantic finale.
Villa captain John McGinn admitted mixed emotions following the final whistle, telling Sky Sports: "We were in control and had chances to go four or five up. Sunderland are a good team; they put you on the back foot. We have to manage the game better."
He added: "It's a great save by Emi and Tammy came on in difficult circumstances and notched a great finish. We are buzzing but we are a bit frustrated.
"It's in our hands, we can go and achieve things that Villa players haven't done for a long time."