Brighton controlled proceedings against Aston Villa in various ways after navigating a challenging opening period.
Here is how each player performed in the 4-0 victory at the Amex.
Bart Verbruggen 6.5/10
Produced crucial stops during recent pre-season fixtures and kept clean sheets in Conference League action, though he enjoyed a relatively untroubled evening on this particular night.
Mats Wieffer 6.5/10
Endured some early defensive uncertainty before finding his rhythm as part of the side’s build-up play. Also spent a spell in the middle of the park.
Luka Vuskovic 7.5/10
Enjoyed a successful first Premier League appearance against an undermanned Villa side. His sweeping pass preceding the third goal caught the eye and, while sterner challenges await, this represented a promising beginning.
Lewis Dunk 7/10
Alongside Vuskovic, he demonstrated that playing the long ball can prove effective, delivering a perfectly weighted chipped pass to Rutter for the second goal. A comfortable 300th Premier League appearance.
Olivier Boscagli 7/10
Shifted to left-back and performed the role professionally, enabling De Cuyper to be deployed higher up the pitch in the absence of Kadioglu.
Pascal Gross 7/10
The prospective head coach maintained momentum and was constantly on the move as an on-field leader. Brighton’s best acquisition of 2026 arrived very early in the calendar year.
Yasin Ayari 7/10
Was let off the hook for an early mistake at the back, then created an even more uncomfortable moment for Gomes ahead of the fourth goal. Substituted and given a rest ahead of schedule, in the 64th minute.
Diego Gomez 7/10
Possesses non-winger attributes when stationed wide, the most notable on this showing being a towering header for the third goal.
Jack Hinshelwood 8/10
Pioneered the pressing with vigour and intelligence, maximising a system that allows him to operate in the striker position at stages. Brighton’s leading scorer for this campaign so far and could he maintain that position?
Maxim De Cuyper 8.5/10
Played a key role in the first three goals. His finish came easily because he had done the donkey work off the ball to reach that position. Once again, not a natural winger although he played that role during his youth career but possesses excellent delivery and positioned himself well for the opening goal.
Georginio Rutter 7/10
Like the wide players, he was not operating in his most natural role but can contribute attributes to wherever he is deployed if the team functions as a cohesive unit. The second goal highlighted this.
SUBS – Charalampos Kostoulas 7/10
Appears promising and would be eager to find the net. Came close when he tucked away a chance but was narrowly offside.
Costinha 7/10
A solid Premier League debut nearly turned memorable when he struck the post from outside the area with his first involvement.
Zadok Yohanna N/A
Appears raw but promising and seems to be seeking the appropriate pass or cross.
Ibrahim Osman N/A
A danger on swift counter-attacks and, for the second game running, had legitimate penalty appeals dismissed.
Malick Yalcouye N/A
A brief appearance in midfield.