Alan Shearer gives his verdict on Brighton's Danny Welbeck and Neal Maupay partnership

Maupay and Welbeck played up front together for only the second time and their pace and movement caused problems for Villa's defence throughout.

Welbeck's first half finish from Adam Lallana's throughball was a touch of class and showed that the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker can be a key player for Graham Potter's team this campaign.

Maupay, who was last season's top scorer with 10 goals, played in a slightly deeper role at Villa Park and allowed Welbeck to lead the line and create pressure for Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa.

The Frenchman was hardworking, held the ball up well and came close to a goal in the first half when he linked perfectly with Welbeck but was denied by a fine save from Villa keeper Emiliano Martínez.

A winner from Solly March saw Brighton to just their second win of the season and moves them to nine points from nine matches.

They were forced to ride their luck at times against a dangerous Villa attack and were perhaps slightly fortunate not to concede during a mad period of stoppage time.

Tariq Lamptey was harshly sent off for a second yellow card and then a decision to award Villa a penalty for a foul by March was controversially overturned after referee Michael Oliver consulted the pitchside monitor.

But Alan Shearer, the Premier League's all time record goalscorer, was pleased to focus of Albion's encouraging strike partnership and feels Welbeck and Maupay are off to a decent start.

"Without doubt they stood out for Brighton," said Shearer speaking on MOTD. "They gave Mings and Konsa a hard afternoon and controlled them at times.

"You can see that from the goal, especially as it was Welbeck's first 90 minutes. The goal came from a throw in and this is a really clever and confident finish as he just dinks the ball over the goalkeeper and full of confidence.

"Lamptey has also been superb and he has had a fantastic season as well but the runs from Maupay just creates space for Welbeck to run into. He (Welbeck) had a poor touch for this chance but we can excuse him that one.

"But again the link up play between them. They are understanding each others game and the little flick in behind and he (Maupay) should have scored, but it was a decent save from the goalkeeper.

"Maupay also showed good hold up play and strength with his back to the defender."

Brighton will hope to build on this display as they welcome champions Liverpool to the Amex next Saturday.

Lamptey will be suspended following his two yellows at Villa and Adam Lallana will hope to be fit to face his former club after he picked up a groin injury.