A dour first half saw chances at a premium for both sides. Seagulls keeper Jason Steele did well to push away Douglas Luiz’s stinging free kick on 15 minutes, before substitute Cameron Peupion fired tamely at Villa stopper Robin Olsen on the stroke of half-time after an excellent, flowing Albion move.
Albion suffered a double injury below on the half-hour mark when Danny Welbeck and Adam Webster were taken off as a precaution.
After an anti-climatic first half, the second half served up great entertainment.
Aston Villa were gifted the lead on 68 minutes. A slip by Steele from a Solly March back-pass allowed Danny Ings to waltz the ball home from close-range, despite the best efforts of the scrambling Jan Paul van Hecke.
But Brighton were level seven minutes later. Brilliant work from Andrew Moran sent Undaz away on a slaloming run, which culminated in a brilliant pinpoint finish past Olsen into the bottom right corner.
And the Seagulls went ahead on 81 minutes. Pascal Groß played in countryman Udav, whose scuffed first-time effort left Olsen rooted to the spot.
Despite playing some lovely football in the second half, Albion were unable to hold on for the win. A well-worked Villa move from a free kick saw substitute Arjan Raikhy cut the ball across the mouth of the goal for the unfortunate Lewis Dunk to turn into his own net.
Here’s how we rated the Brighton & Hove Albion players against Aston Villa.
5. Lewis Dunk - 6
A commanding and stabilising presence at the heart of the Brighton defence alongside both Adam Webster and Jan Paul van Hecke. Was unfortunate to put the ball in his own goal to make it 2-2, with Danny Ings lurking. Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
6. Pascal Groß - 6
A quiet game by his creative standards. Played the provider for countryman Deniz Undav to net his, and Brighton's, second, but wasn't able to stamp his authority on the game Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
7. Adam Lallana - 6
Neat and tidy on the ball, as ever, but was guilty of cheaply handing possession back to Aston Villa on occasion. Replaced by Jack Hinshelwood at half-time Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
8. Andrew Moran - 7
A bright performance from the Irish teenager. His composure on the ball belied his years. Capped an impressive performance with an assist, playing provider for Deniz Undav's first goal of the game Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images