Reported by Olatunji Olajide
Ollie Watkins marked his 29th birthday with a goal and an assist, but Aston Villa were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Brighton in a gripping Premier League clash.
Brighton struck first in the 12th minute through Simon Adingra’s curling effort, capitalizing on a swift counterattack.
Despite being denied an earlier penalty, Villa equalized in the 36th minute after a lengthy VAR review confirmed a foul by Joao Pedro on Morgan Rogers.
Watkins coolly converted the spot-kick, sending Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen the wrong way.
Villa took the lead just two minutes into the second half when Watkins lofted a perfect pass to Rogers, who finished clinically into the bottom corner.
However, Brighton salvaged a point in the 81st minute when Tariq Lamptey drilled a powerful shot past Emiliano Martinez.
The draw keeps Villa ninth in the table, three points behind the coveted fifth spot, which could secure Champions League qualification this season.
Brighton, with only one win in their last 15 visits to Villa Park, remain in 10th. Both sides continue to battle for European contention in a tightly contested season.
