Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton: Late leveller leaves Lamptey top of ratings

Tariq Lamptey gave Brighton a timely reminder of his talents as he enters the final six months of his contract by topping the player ratings in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.

Lamptey can sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs abroad from January 1st, which could see him leave the Amex for nothing in the summer.

The Albion have appeared relaxed about losing Lamptey. If you believe the rumours, they were open to offers in the previous two transfer windows.

This suggests that Lamptey’s frequent injury woes over the past five seasons have led Brighton to conclude he is not worth keeping around.

More performances like at Villa could yet force a rethink, however. Lamptey did a good job defensively before going onto fire the 82nd minute equaliser.

Lamptey now has three goals and two assists from just 526 minutes across 10 appearances so far this season. He is proving productive when given opportunities by Fabian Hurzeler.

Two other players scored a seven or above alongside Lamptey in the Villa 2-2 Brighton player ratings. Carlos Baleba had a fine game in midfield and Kaoru Mitoma made an important impact from the bench as the Albion claimed a rare point at Villa Park.

Bart Verbruggen – 5.75

His flap at a corner led to Villa earning the penalty from which they scored their first goal of the evening. Needs to improve that area of his game and quickly with set piece specialists Arsenal up next for Brighton.

TARIQ LAMPTEY – 7.33

Many Brighton fans were panicked at the prospect of Lamptey facing Morgan Rogers. He dealt well with the dangerous Villa winger for the most part. Something understandably overshadowed by a brilliant finish to round off a fine team move for his goal.

Jan Paul van Hecke – 6.00

Fortunate not to concede a penalty although the officials evened things up by awarding a ridiculously soft spot kick a couple of minutes later. Otherwise pretty assured at the back.

Lewis Dunk – 6.58

His best performance since returning from injury. Defensively sound whilst his long pass forward caused chaos in a Villa defence who struggle to deal with anything hit aerially over the top, allowing Simon Adingra to take advantage and open the scoring.

Igor Julio – 5.33

Igor, Igor, Igor! A selection like Lamptey which initially set alarm bells ringing as Igor rarely plays well at left back. Did okay as he managed to concentrate for a full 90 minutes; something which must have taken a lot of effort for a madman capable of going rogue at any moment.

Carlos Baleba – 7.08

Powerhouse performance in midfield. Protected the defence well to ensure there was no repeat of the horror scenes when Villa carved through the Albion at will on their way to a 6-1 victory in this fixture last season.

Brajan Gruda – 5.00

Never really in the game. Just as well Lamptey was having a productive time as Brighton otherwise would have posed little threat down the right.

Julio Enciso – 4.67

Lowest scoring player from the starting XI in the Villa 2-2 Brighton ratings. Forced Emiliano Martinez into a fine save with a long distance effort. Shame about the 217 other shots he took which posed no threat to the home goal. We jest, of course…

Simon Adingra – 6.17

Given a rare start on the left side of the pitch from where he delivers his best displays. Lo and behold, a lovely goal follows within 12 minutes of the start.

Joao Pedro – 6.42

After a string of disappointing displays, maybe all he needed was a nasty whack in the head to spark him back towards form? Recovered after lengthy treatment inside the opening 60 seconds to set up both goals. Although he probably should have scored himself when wasting a great second half chance from a good position.

Kaoru Mitoma – 7.00

The last thing a defence who are tired having dealt with Adingra want to see is the fresh legs of Mitoma coming on. Caused loads of problems and played a big role in Lamptey’s equaliser.

Yankubu Minteh – 6.25

Offered more than Gruda when thrown on down the right.

Georginio Rutter – 6.08

Not quite happening for the Albion’s £40 million record signing at the moment. The jury remains out on whether he and Pedro on the pitch at the same time works.

Matt O’Riley – 6.17

Saw a late effort blocked as Brighton boldly sought a winner. More impressive was his defensive efforts, ensuring the Albion did not throw away a point right at the death.

Jakub Moder – 4.75

Introduced for the final few minutes. A farewell appearance perhaps ahead of a January move?

The WAB Player Ratings are formulated using marks out of 10 given by Brighton fans via Twitter. To have your scores included, follow We Are Brighton on Twitter and look out for the player rating thread after each game.