Brighton defender Joel Veltman was booked for this foul on Aston Villa's Philippe CoutinhoBrighton defender Joel Veltman was booked for this foul on Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho
Brighton defender Joel Veltman was booked for this foul on Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho

Brighton vs Aston Villa player ratings: Yves Bissouma and Leandro Trossard poor as Graham Potter's team struggle again

Brighton and Hove Albion suffered back to back home defeats as Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa won a niggly Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium

Matty Cash put Villa ahead in the 17th minute of the delayed kick-off at Brighton, chesting down a Lewis Dunk header and arrowing a low finish in off the post from 20 yards.

Cash was then booked for removing his shirt to reveal a message to Poland international team-mate Tomasz Kedziora, who plays his club football in Ukraine.

Brighton had their chances, notably when Alexis Mac Allister saw his powerful effort from 12 yards graze the top of the bar after Neal Maupay's back heel. Mac Allister should have scored.

Cash’s strike was the difference at the break, with tempers flaring at times as referee John Brooks showed five further bookings.

Villa deservedly doubled their advantage in the 68th minute through Ollie Watkins, who latched on to a long ball forward and finished well past Robert Sanchez.

Substitute Danny Welbeck then missed a decent chance when he headed wide from Solly March's cross.

Scroll down and click through see who struggled and who shone for Graham Potter's team.