After Tariq Lamptey's late equalizer saved Brighton's 2-2 draw on Monday, Unai Emery stated that Aston Villa is still in the running to finish in the Premier League's top four. Following Simon Adingra's early Brighton goal, Villa striker Ollie Watkins celebrated his birthday by scoring and assisting Morgan Rogers, putting his team ahead. But with nine minutes remaining at Villa Park, Lamptey equalized thanks to Emery's team. 

After the most recent wayward performance in an erratic season, Villa's dreams of finishing in the top four for a second straight season might be dashed well before spring arrives. Tenth-place Brighton's winless streak has now reached seven games, while ninth-place Villa is six points outside the top four. After a year in which Villa made a spectacular comeback to the Champions League, Emery is still optimistic about their prospects.