Aston Villa player ratings: Low marks all-round after Brighton horror show

Something of a surprise to see him in goal rather than new signing Zion Suzuki. A good game for the new boy, or indeed anyone, to miss.

Beaten: 5

MATTY CASH

Far too easily overrun. If there was a positive thing to say it was he stuck to his task. Booked in the closing stages.

Ragged: 4

VICTOR LINDELOF

Probably the pick of the defence, which isn’t saying too much. No obvious errors and got very unlucky with the opener. Made sure it wasn’t worse.

Unlucky: 5

PAU TORRES

A player Villa need to step up following Konsa’s departure. This wasn’t a great start. Gave the ball away for the opener.

Torrid: 3

IAN MAATSEN

Huge question marks remain over his defensive capabilities heading into what feels a make-or-break season. Easily beaten.

Slack: 4

JOAO GOMES

To think his early return from injury was a pre-match positive. Gifted Brighton a goal, got sent-off. Up there with the worst Villa debuts.

Nightmare: 2

BOUBACAR KAMARA

So often the glue which holds it all together but for half-an-hour he was as at sea as the rest of them in his first Premier League match since January.

Struggled: 4

JOHN MCGINN

Put himself about, particularly in the second half but it all had a feeling of too little, too late. Has a huge job in helping knit this new-look side together.

Tried: 5

ROSS BARKLEY

Some nice touches but without a striker to aim for he was generally forced to pass sideways. Not the worst player on the pitch.

Faded: 4

GEORGE HEMMINGS

If nothing else, days like this can be character-building. Caught on the ball too often in the first half but did get better.

Tough: 5

EMI BUENDIA

Missed a huge chance to put Villa ahead when the game was goal-less. A thankless task up front for a playmaker.

Effort: 5

SUBSTITUTES

Tyrone Mings 5 (for Torres, 74), Lamare Bogarde (for Barkley, 74), Matteo Ruggeri (for Maatsen, 82), Alysson (for McGinn, 82), Alejandro Garnacho (for Buendia, 86) Subs not used: Burrows, Lynch, Rowe, Suzuki (gk).