Aston Villa have beaten West Bromwich Albion 4-3 in a dramatic West Midlands derby at Villa Park.
The visitors took the lead in just the fourth minute of the game when Chris Brunt took advantage of some space to fire in an unstoppable effort from long range.
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West Brom doubled their lead just moments later thanks to Fabian Delph, who put the ball into his own net while under pressure following a James Morrison cross.
Villa hit back in the 12th minute when Andreas Weimann latched on to Christian Benteke's header to lob Ben Foster.
Leandro Bacuna pulled the hosts level midway through the first half by finding room in the box to convert an inviting cross from Matthew Lowton.
An end-to-end first half continued to entertain the supporters and it was the home fans who were celebrating again in the 38th minute when Fabian Delph burst past a couple of defenders before firing the ball in off the crossbar.
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Youssouf Mulumbu ensured that the visitors went in level by finishing a flowing passing move by slotting the ball past Brad Guzan.
Both sets of defenders improved after the break as goalscoring opportunities started to become more difficult to create.
Villa were gifted a chance to take the lead in the 64th minute when Diego Lugano pulled down Benteke inside the box to concede a penalty.
It was Benteke who stepped up from 12 yards to slot home and earn his side a 4-3 advantage.
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The Belgian forward had an opportunity to put the result beyond doubt as the game entered its closing stages but Foster took advantage of a poor first touch to keep him out.
Victor Anichebe fired over from the edge of the box in the closing stages and it proved to be the closest the Baggies would come to an equaliser as Villa held on for the win.
Callum Mulvihill
