Aston Villa overhaul brutally exposed as Brighton inflict opening-day humiliation

Aston Villa’s major summer overhaul was brutally exposed as Unai Emery’s side suffered a disastrous 4-0 defeat against Brighton in their Premier League opener.

Villa were four goals down inside 31 minutes before £38million summer signing Joao Gomes was sent off before half-time.

It was a nightmare beginning for a team still being rebuilt following their Europa League triumph last season.

Villa have undergone enormous changes this summer, with six players from the XI that helped them win their first trophy in 30 years no longer part of the team.

Ezri Konsa, Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers have departed, while Ollie Watkins was left out against Brighton amid uncertainty over his future.

Without Watkins, Emery started without a recognised centre-forward and used Emi Buendia through the middle.

Brighton ruthlessly exposed Villa’s lack of cohesion.

Victor Lindelof scored an early own goal before Maxim De Cuyper doubled Brighton’s advantage. Jack Hinshelwood then scored twice in two minutes to make it 4-0 after only 31 minutes.

Things became even worse when Gomes was shown a straight red card.

The former Wolves midfielder had already lost possession in the build-up to Brighton’s fourth before kicking out at Georginio Rutter.

VAR intervened after referee Peter Bankes initially missed the incident, leaving Villa with ten men and Gomes facing a three-match suspension.

Despite the result, Emery called for patience.

“We made some mistakes and they scored goals in 25 minutes - we lost everything,” he said.

“We were lost a little bit emotionally.”

Emery was at least encouraged by Villa’s second-half response, with Brighton unable to add another goal despite their numerical advantage.

Villa’s rebuild is far from complete.

Leon Goretzka is poised to strengthen Emery’s midfield, while as many as four further additions could arrive before the transfer deadline.

Matteo Ruggeri and Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench against Brighton, while Villa are also waiting for Brian Madjo and record signing Johan Manzambi to return from injury.

The futures of Watkins and Emiliano Martinez also remain significant issues heading into the final days of the window.

Emery now has to quickly stabilise his rebuilt squad while Villa continue working in the transfer market.

Goretzka should provide another midfield option, but Watkins’ uncertain future and the defensive problems exposed by Brighton suggest there is still considerable work to do before the window closes.

Was this simply an opening-day disaster, or have Aston Villa changed too much too quickly this summer?