PEPE REINA proved he can still the save the day.
The 37-year-old, loaned this week by Aston Villa after Tom Heaton’s season-ending knee injury, was making his first Premier League appearance in almost seven years.
Pepe Reina, 37, impressed on his debut for Aston VillaCredit: PA:Press Association
Jack Grealish banged a late volley to earn Villa a point at BrightonCredit: Reuters
The midfielder smashed the equaliser against the run of playCredit: Reuters
The Villa favourite celebrated in front of a rapturous away endCredit: Reuters
And the ex-Liverpool stopper showed he remains up to Prem standard with a flying stop to deny Neal Maupay in the dying moments.
It preserved a well-earned point for Villa after Jack Grealish’s stunning strike had chalked off Leandro Trossard’s opener.
The Villa captain’s seventh league goal of the campaign will have given Gareth Southgate more food for thought as he ponders his next England squad.
It was a fiery game that ended with former Brentford team-mates Ezri Konsa and Maupay in a shoving match after the final whistle.
Villa chief Dean Smith said: “They were good mates, I’m not sure they are so much now! I like Neal, he did very well for me at Brentford.
“He does have the red mist every now and again that can descend, but I think it was handbags.
“It was a good save from Pepe. You wouldn’t know he was making his debut for a new team.
“I know he is a World Cup winner and an experienced goalkeeper but he showed a lot of calmness on the ball.
“The character and charisma he has got is rubbing off on the team.”
Albion chief Graham Potter revealed pre-match he was a Villa fan growing up.
But in three attempts now this season, he has failed to get one over his once beloved claret-and-blue.
It was all going to plan as his side shaded a cagey first half thanks to Trossard’s neat finish which gave Reina no chance.
The Belgian’s strike – teed up by Maupay – came seconds after Grealish had burst past the Albion backline but fired wide.
With both sides scrapping for their lives near the relegation zone, things got heated in the second half – with firebrand Maupay the central figure.
The Frenchman had a barney with Grealish before mocking the Villa man’s slicked-back hair.
Grealish then showed how he is more substance than style these days as he controlled Douglas Luiz’s cross and brilliantly blasted past Maty Ryan with his left foot.
Angry Maupay then was at the heart of another player bust-up four minutes into added time after Conor Hourihane’s cynical foul on Davy Propper.
And after full-time, he and old Bees team-mate Konsa had to be separated as tempers boiled over.
Boss Potter, whose side have one win in eight now, added: “It was a hard-fought game, both teams want to win. Emotions were running away at the end but it’s handbags, as they say.
“We know Neal is that kind of personality and it’s about how he controls it but that’s what makes him who he is.
“Some players you can get away with being out of position, but not with Grealish. It’s a great strike, almost a half-volley.”
Villa stay 18th while Brighton remain 14th after the draw.
Leandro Trossard put the home side 1-0 up in the first-halfCredit: Reuters
The Belgian tucked away a tidy left-footed driveCredit: PA:Press Association
Neal Maupay and Ezri Konsa were involved in an ugly confrontation at the final whistleCredit: PA:Press Association
Mike Dean chuckles away as Oli McBurnie is hit in the privates
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
