Aston Villa supporters have been reacting online following their side’s Premier League draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.

Villa ended a hugely successful 2024 with a disappointing 2-2 draw against the Seagulls as they failed to close the gap on the Premier League's top four. Ollie Watkins looked to be his side’s hero as he celebrated his birthday in style with a goal and an assist to put his side 2-1 up after Simon Adingra's early opener for Brighton.

But Unai Emery's men could not see it out and succumbed to an 81st-minute leveller by Tariq Lamptey. And below is a look at what Villa supporters, writing in the comments section of the Birmingham Live website, had to say.

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Commenter Damo9 says: “I think we need to look at the right side as a whole. Bailey without Diaby pushing him has not been anywhere near the player we’ve seen. Cash isn’t consistent enough and for me, Konsa has gone backwards and looks almost over confident. I think Torres being injured has saved Emery having to actually drop him as he should’ve done because defensively he’s poor.”

Chosen in 1957 agrees: “Bailey is so frustrating. We all know he's got the ability to beat players, but the end result is so poor and he's now trying to score from impossible positions. We've had the same problems all season with Konsa being asked to play at right back and it's such a negative tactic. That window can't open soon enough because we must sign new blood ASAP.”

Utv adds: “Rogers and Tielmans were excellent today, but our defence is bad whenever Carlos is playing. We need to pair Konsa and Mings again and sort it out. Bailey was a joke, everything he tries fails.”

Claretnbluearmy1 said: “I think a lot of people who are saying the defence from last season has fallen apart have hugely underestimated the amount of points Martinez saved us last season, he was immense and possibly won us 10 points single handedly. I don't know about anyone else but our defensive frailties were very evident last year too but I feel we were either fortunate or Martinez saved us, which he hasn't been able to do as much this season.”

Villian suggests: “We have the worst goals against in the top half of the table. The most secure we have been is when we had Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne. We have one of the best keepers in the world which shows how poorly organised the defence is. While Cash can’t play, why not give the young lad a chance at right back and leave Konya alongside Mings? Someone needs to get a grip urgently.”

Villaman is uneasy: “Speechless for a while. We were very very average today. Last season we would win that match going away! The manager has to change things and add some cutting edge up front. Once any side breaks through our front pressure the wing halves are so open. No one within miles. It’s just not good enough. I hope Torres is okay but I’d rather have Mings in the back and have Bailey on the subs bench. Even Leicester now becomes challenging.”

SimonC agrees: “It is back to the days when watching Villa is just so frustrating. Our defence is very poor. Mings has to start every game. Unconvinced by Watkins again. Rodgers and Tielemans were the only players worth the badge tonight.”

Birminghamareyoulistening points out: “Carlos in over Mings I will never understand. Also Brighton were swarming all over us in the last 20 after their subs and we didn’t use any until they drew level. We just don’t know how or cannot shut up shop.”

Claretnbluearmy1 agrees: “I can only assume Emery's decision to keep playing Carlos is to desperately put him in the shop window, but he's awful & is costing us unfortunately. I can't see any top level side wanting him, except maybe the relegation sides. Please sell him, even only for 8M.”

Dogtired2 says : “The lad I feel sorry for is Ned. He sits on the bench every week and we all know he isn't coming on, it must be soul destroying for him. If we aren't going to use him yet then let him go out on loan to someone who will use him and pay his wages. This whole back four thing is a disaster. Mings is injured again, Pau is out, Cash is injured more than he plays, what the heck are we going to do?”

Andygray75 thinks: “Terrible, Villa are not going to finish in top 6 never mind the top 4. Defence is shocking.”

What are your views on Villa’s performance? What does the team need to move forward? Have your say in our comments section.