It had all started so well as Alexis Mac Allister celebrated his Argentina call-up to the World Cup with a goal inside a minute for Brighton against Aston Villa.
Mac Allister was too strong for Douglas Luiz following Emi Martinez’s poor pass and fired beyond his compatriot after 50 seconds to make it 1-0 at the Amex Stadium.
The frantic start continued with Adam Lallana forced off in the fifth minute, and Brighton saw Aston Villa draw level by the 20-minute mark.
Lewis Dunk brought down John McGinn inside the area and Danny Ings made no mistake from 12 yards as he slotted home the resulting penalty to make the score 1-1.
Vila took the led after the break as Ings netted his second. It was a scrappy goal for Brighton as they failed to clear when Emiliano Buendia headed off the post and Ings easily cut inside Lewis Dunk and his deflected effort deceived Rob Sanchez in the Albion goal.
Here’s Sam Morton’s player ratings from the Amex Stadium...
5. Estupiñán - 6:
Some good moments from the wing-back but just lacking that final ball when he got himself into good crossing positions. One vital goal-line clearance to prevent Buendia a tap-in in the first-half. Heavy cross. Dangerous cross was cut out before it could reach Undav. Lovely touch from Mac Allister's heavy pass. Could be better defensively on some occasions. Photo: Christopher Lee
6. Mac Allister - 6
Cool finish after winning the ball off Douglas Luiz just 50 seconds into the game. It was his and his team's best moment of the game. Largely at fault for the second goal when he was tackled by Luiz before Ings scored. Good on the ball and instrumental when Brighton went forward but lacking killer pass. Photo: Christopher Lee
7. Caicedo - 6:
Not one of his best games for Brighton but by no means a bad performance. A couple of defensive slip ups after pressure from Villa's forwards and he got his legs in a tangle when presented with a good chance to score. Some good passing and tackling as Albion fought for the second goal. Photo: Christopher Lee
8. March: 6 -
One of De Zerbi's main go-to men. Got himself into dangerous areas, and showed some nice footwork, but couldn't force a goal for himself or his team. Slow in decision making on some occasions. Looked like he may have won a penalty after he went down under a challenge from Digne in the box - but VAR said no. Photo: Charlie Crowhurst