Lamptey saves a point in an entertaining game
Aston Villa missed out on a chance to move up the table as they had to share points with Brighton in a thrilling game at Villa Park.
Brighton – who are now seven Premier League games without a win – took the lead when a long ball over the top troubled the Villa defense and Simon Adingra was able to slot home.
Ollie Watkins equalized from the penalty spot before setting up his England team-mate Morgan Rogers for a fine goal as Villa took the lead.
⚽️ Rogers 🅰️ Watkins pic.twitter.com/DKLSKdBRYz
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2024
But Brighton hung on and right-back Tariq Lamptey hit a fine low strike to send the Seagulls home with a point.
Villa finished the year ninth, three points behind Newcastle in fifth, while Brighton is in 10th place, two points worse.
Brighton are 18 points adrift of a winning position this season but made a bright start when Ezri Konsa was beaten to a long ball by Joao Pedro and Adingra’s finish was exceptional.
Brighton hit back late on to ensure they shared the points 🤝#AVLBHA pic.twitter.com/CYBBB7AY8X
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 30, 2024
Villa thought they should have been awarded a penalty when Rogers was tripped by Jan Paul van Hecke, but then they won it when Rogers went down after a corner.
Watkins, who returned to the team on his 29th birthday due to Jhon Duran’s suspension, made no mistake.
Villa were on top at this stage and Rogers’ finish from Watkins’ pass was superb.
But Brighton rallied well and Lamptey’s low strike earned a draw.