AFP – Unai Emery insisted Aston Villa are still in the race to finish in the Premier League’s top four after Tariq Lamptey’s late equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for Brighton on Monday.
Villa striker Ollie Watkins celebrated his birthday with a goal and an assist for Morgan Rogers, putting his side ahead after Simon Adingra’s early opener for Brighton.
But Emery’s men allowed Lamptey to level with just nine minutes left at Villa Park.
Villa’s hopes of finishing in the top four for a second consecutive season are in danger of being extinguished well before the spring after the latest erratic display in an inconsistent season.
Ninth-placed Villa are six points adrift of the top four, while 10th-placed Brighton’s winless run has reached seven games.
Emery remains upbeat about their chances after a year in which Villa returned to the Champions League in impressive style.
“We played a fantastic match. The first 20 minutes we started lower than we were planning and we conceded one goal. But we reacted and came back with 2-1,” he said.
“I have to accept it but I am a little bit frustrated. The table is very tight but we are in the race for the second part of the season.
“We have to be proud of the year. We have to try to accept it and be happy with the results we had in 2024.”
The Seagulls took a 12th-minute lead with a goal that encapsulated Villa’s sloppy form.
Ezri Konsa failed to deal with Lewis Dunk’s long ball over the top and it fell to Adingra, who fired into the bottom corner.
