Premier League: Aston Villa beats Brighton, ending European exile

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Aston Villa ends 13-year European exile after beating Brighton 2-1

Published Sunday, May 28, 2023 2:37PM EDT

Aston Villa players celebrate after Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins scored his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

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BIRMINGHAM. ENGLAND -- Aston Villa ended its 13-year European exile after a nervy 2-1 win over Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

First-half strikes from Douglas Luiz and Ollie Watkins ensured Villa finished the season in seventh place.

Villa secured its highest Premier League finish for 13 years, and with it a route into the Europa Conference League. Seventh represents a triumph for Villa manager Unai Emery, having taken over a relegation-threatened side in October following Steven Gerrard's dismissal.

Deniz Undav pulled one goal back - having also had a goal disallowed for offside - but the Seagulls were unable to find a leveler.

Brighton, in the third tier 12 years ago, are heading to Europe for the first time following its impressive season. Brighton had already sealed sixth and a Europa League place so all eyes were on the hosts.