Brighton Devastates Aston Villa in Premier League Opener

Brighton and Hove Albion's English Premier League campaign kicked off on August 23, 2026, with a convincing 4-0 win over Aston Villa at the American Express Community Stadium.

Aston Villa was reduced to 10 men after just 40 minutes due to Joao Gomes' red card following a video assistant referee review.

The Seagulls took an early lead when Maxim de Cuyper forced an own goal from Victor Lindelof in the eighth minute, and doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with another goal from De Cuyper.

Jack Hinshelwood then scored two goals in as many minutes to seal Brighton's win, with his second coming just a minute after Gomes' red card.