Brighton forward Simon Adingra broke his scoring drought in style, delivering a crucial goal in the Seagulls’ 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on the final day of the 2024 Premier League season.
The Ivorian international’s performance marked a turning point after a challenging few months.
Adingra opened the scoring in the 18th minute at Villa Park, capitalizing on a defensive error.
A misjudged long ball left the Aston Villa defence scrambling, and Adingra pounced with precision, curling a spectacular shot into the net to give Brighton an early advantage.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Villa’s Ollie Watkins converted a penalty in the 36th minute after a foul in the box, leveling the match before halftime.
The home side took the upper hand early in the second half, with Morgan Rogers netting in the 47th minute to put Unai Emery’s team ahead.
Brighton, undeterred, fought back in the latter stages of the game.
Persistence paid off in the 84th minute when the Seagulls found an equalizer, ensuring they left Birmingham with a valuable point.
For Adingra, this goal was a significant milestone.
It marked his second of the Premier League season and ended a four-month scoring drought.
His last goal came on August 27, 2024, during Brighton’s commanding 4-0 League Cup victory over Crawley Town.
The 22-year-old, who was a standout player in Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph and a top-five finisher in the CAF Ballon d’Or rankings, has faced a challenging campaign.
Despite high expectations, including being tipped as a contender for the 2024 CAF Ballon d’Or, Adingra has struggled for form in recent months.
Manager Fabian Hurzeler will hope Adingra’s goal signals a resurgence as Brighton prepares for the second half of the season.
Currently sitting 10th in the Premier League table, the Seagulls aim to reignite their push for European qualification.
Their next challenge comes on January 4, 2025, when they face Arsenal, a formidable opponent in the race for the top spots.
As Brighton looks to climb the standings, Adingra’s contribution will be vital.
The young forward’s resilience and determination to overcome setbacks could prove to be a catalyst for both his own form and the team’s ambitions.
