Brighton delivered a commanding performance against Aston Villa, securing a 4-0 victory at the Amex Stadium. Jack Hinshelwood was a standout, netting two goals as Brighton raced to a four-goal lead by the 31st minute. Maxim De Cuyper also scored, with another goal coming via an own goal from Villa defender Victor Lindelöf.
Aston Villa's challenging start to the season was compounded by the dismissal of new signing João Gomes. The debutant was shown a red card for violent conduct in the 40th minute after aiming a high boot at Brighton striker Georginio Rutter.
Villa manager Unai Emery faced significant squad issues, with no available centre-forward due to injuries to Brian Madjo and Tammy Abraham, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ollie Watkins. Emiliano Buendía was pressed into an emergency role upfront. Villa had also seen key players like Ezri Konsa, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, and Youri Tielemans depart over the summer.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler also navigated player departures, including Danny Welbeck, Jan Paul van Hecke, and James Milner, and was without Carlos Baleba, Yankuba Minteh, and Kaoru Mitoma due to injury concerns.