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.
13. Cameron Peupion - 7
The Australian put in an exciting performance after replacing the injured Danny Welbeck in the first half. Fired a tame shot at Aston Villa keeper Robin Olsen in what was Albion's best move of the first half. Began the second half with a lovely bit of skill that beat a Villa defender, before firing a sumptuous cross into the box. Always looked to drive at the Villa defence and move the play forward. Partial to the odd stepover or two. Has the potential to be a player that could bring Brighton fans out of their seats Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images
14. Jan Paul van Hecke - 7
Assured display from the Dutchman. Ably replaced the injured Adam Webster in the first half. Cool, calm and composed at the back, and relatively untroubled by Aston Villa's forwards. Tried in vain to deny Danny Ings after Jason Steele's unfortunate error for Villa's first goal. Could challenge Webster for a place at the heart of Brighton's defence alongside skipper Lewis Dunk Photo: Alex Burstow
15. Jack Hinselwood - 7
Another bright performance by a Brighton youngster, Jack Hinshelwood was tenacious and terrier-like in midfielder after coming on at half-time. Hit a marvellous floated cross-field pass to set up Solly March in the second half. Was pressing like a madman even when the games was drawing to a close. Didn't seem phased coming up against more experienced midfield opponents Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images
16. Odel Offiah - 5
Replaced Julio Enciso on 77 minutes. Didn't have the time to make an impact Photo: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images