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.
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Brighton defender Joel Veltman was booked for this foul on Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho
. Rob Sanchez 6
Little chance with Aston Villa's opener or Watkins goal. But a cracking save to keep out a Coutinho free kick in the second half
5. Marc Cucurella 6
Played on the left side of the three. Nice passing from the back. Booked for a foul on McGinn. Showed his versatility once more.
6. Solly March 6
Back in the starting XI and looked good at left wing back. Switched to the right flank after the break
7. Jakub Moder 6
Involved early on and composed on the ball. Worked hard but withdrawn on the hour for Welbeck.
8. Yves Bissouma 5
Still does not look back to his best after the Afcon. Not a bad display but Brighton fans used to seeing much more. Booked.