Aston Villa missed the chance to climb the table as they had to share the points with Brighton in a thrilling game at Villa Park.
Brighton – who have now gone seven Premier League games without a win – took the lead when a long ball over the top foxed the Villa defence and Simon Adingra was able to smash in.
Ollie Watkins equalised from the penalty spot and then teed up England team-mate Morgan Rogers for a fine goal as Villa took charge.
⚽️ Rogers 🅰️ Watkins pic.twitter.com/DKLSKdBRYz
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2024
But Brighton stuck at it and right-back Tariq Lamptey fired in a lovely low strike to ensure the Seagulls headed back home with a poin.
Villa end the year ninth, three points behind Newcastle in fifth, while Brighton are 10th place, two points worse off.
Brighton have lost 18 points from winning positions this season but made a great start when Ezri Konsa was beaten to a long ball by Joao Pedro and Adingra’s finish was exceptional.
Brighton hit back late to ensure the points are shared 🤝#AVLBHA pic.twitter.com/CYBBB7AY8X
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2024
Villa thought they should have had a penalty when Rogers was tripped by Jan Paul van Hecke, but they did then get one when Rogers went down after a corner.
Watkins, back in the team on his 29th birthday because of Jhon Duran’s suspension, made no mistake.
Villa were well on top at this stage and Rogers’ finish afer chesting down a Watkins pass was superb.
But Brighton rallied well and Lamptey’s low shot earned a draw.