EPL: Brighton thrash 10-man Villa 4-0 in season opener

Brighton launched their Premier League campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over 10-man Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium on Sunday. The Seagulls opened the scoring in the eighth minute through an own goal from Victor Lindelof, following a shot from Maxim de Cuyper. De Cuyper then doubled Brighton's lead ten minutes later.

Europa League champions Villa, who finished fourth last season, capitulated completely as Jack Hinshelwood struck two goals in as many minutes to put Brighton 4-0 up by the half-hour mark. The visitors' afternoon worsened when Joao Gomes received a straight red card following a video assistant referee review for kicking out at Georginio Rutter, reducing Villa to 10 men.

Villa had started promisingly, with Emiliano Buendia narrowly missing an early chance. However, Brighton capitalized on their opportunities. Despite a goalless second half, the damage was done, marking an emphatic success for Brighton and a dismal start for Aston Villa.