Brighton run riot in first half to leave 10-man Aston Villa shell-shocked

Jack Hinshelwood struck twice in two first-half minutes as rampant Brighton ruthlessly exploited Aston Villa’s summer exodus with a thumping 4-0 Premier League victory.

Villa arrived at the Amex Stadium having sold a host of star names since last season’s Europa League triumph and without a recognised striker amid transfer speculation surrounding the absent Ollie Watkins.

Victor Lindelof’s calamitous own goal and a close-range finish from Maxim De Cuyper set the Seagulls on course for a resounding opening-weekend win.

Hinshelwood’s quickfire double took the game away from Unai Emery’s shell-shocked side before midfielder Joao Gomes was sent off on his league debut five minutes shy of half-time to add to Villa’s woes.

Travelling fans began the afternoon singing about being champions of Europe but no doubt harbouring major concerns about the strength of their team’s starting line-up.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and England forward Watkins were missing from the matchday squad amid talk they will join Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers through the exit door, with Emiliano Buendia, Ross Barkley and full debutant George Hemmings tasked with leading the line.

The visitors twice threatened through Buendia during a bright start before gifting Albion an eighth-minute opener.

Under minimal pressure from Georginio Rutter wide on the Villa left, Pau Torres played a risky pass into his own area.

The ball went straight to Seagulls winger De Cuyper, who turned away from goalkeeper Marco Bizot before seeing his shot strike the right post and rebound into the net off the midriff of Lindelof.

Villa fell further behind just 10 minutes later.

Rutter was released down the left by Lewis Dunk and, after tricking his way beyond