Aston Villa's new-look side suffered the worst possible start to their Premier League season, losing 4-0 at Brighton on the south coast. The Europa League champions trailed by four goals inside 31 minutes at the Amex, with their defence, missing Ezri Konsa and Lucas Digne, contributing to their own downfall.
Defensive errors and early red card
Brighton scored two of their four goals after Villa gave the ball away in their own box. Victor Lindelof, who started less than a third of games last term, put through his own net inside 10 minutes. Maxim De Cuyper tapped home to double the lead, and Jack Hinshelwood scored twice in two minutes, prompting some Villa fans in the away end to leave early.
Joao Gomes, the replacement for Youri Tielemans, was shown a red card on debut before the break, by which time the game was effectively over.
Summer exodus raises questions
Villa's summer business has been driven in part by a need to remain financially compliant. The club sold six of the XI who helped them win a first trophy in 30 years, and the opening game suggested the timing of the overhaul may have been premature.
Emery could not rely on Tielemans or Morgan Rogers, both of whom have left, and Ollie Watkins was left out amid Saudi Arabian interest, with no recognised No 9 in the starting line-up. Emi Buendia was tasked with leading the line. Emi Martinez was also left out after a summer of exit links, and Villa have signed Zion Suzuki from Parma as a potential successor.
Emery's challenge ahead
Before kick-off, Emery said his side were "Motivated, we are so excited." Villa have suffered opening weekend hammerings before, losing 5-1 at Newcastle in 2023 before finishing fourth, but that was under different circumstances with a team that enjoyed continuity. Emery remains the one constant at Villa Park, but the scale of the squad overhaul may test even his abilities.
