Unai Emery demands Premier League rule change after Aston Villa thumped by Brighton in opening game

Unai Emery has called for a drastic Premier League rule change after his Aston Villa side were trounced 4-0 by Brighton in a disastrous opening fixture.

Villa had the worst possible start to the new campaign at the AMEX Stadium on Sunday, finding themselves 4-0 down after 31 minutes.

Victor Lindelof put through his own net to open the scoring before Maxim De Cuyper doubled the lead and Jack Hinshelwood bagged a brace just a minute apart.

To make matters worse, new Villa signing Joao Gomes was sent off before half-time for kicking out after a VAR review.

Villa didn't ship any more goals in the second half but find themselves rock bottom of the Premier League after the dismal display.

Emery was furious and stormed down the tunnel without a handshake for opposite number Fabian Hurzeler.

In his post-match press conference, the former Arsenal boss proceeded to complain about his team being raided for another season.

Morgan Rogers has joined Chelsea for £117 million, while Youri Tielemans signed for Manchester United after they activated his £35 million release clause.

The Europa League winners have been dealt another blow after defender Ezri Konsa completed a £55 million move to Arsenal.

With Villa unsettled following the departures, Emery claimed that the transfer window should close before the season starts.

He said: "In the last three years, until the transfer window finishes, we have had problems like we are having now. The players here today are keeping the mentality I want for the team. Not complaining or blaming, even with a tough result today."

Asked if the window should shut before the season starts, Emery commented: "Always. Not just now, always. We are one club who find it hard every year."

Unai Emery asks reports to contact Ollie Watkins' agent after Aston Villa squad omission

There could be further departures from Villa Park, with Emiliano Martinez not on the bench against Brighton amid transfer speculation.

Marco Bizot started in between the sticks, while new £30 million goalkeeper Zion Suzuki was the back-up goalkeeper for the fixture.

There was no place for Ollie Watkins, who has been the subject of four bids from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

Asked why he was not included, Emery said: "This question is for him. I can answer only with my silence.”

Quizzed on whether Watkins refused to play, he added: “I think you call his agent and he can respond.”

According to The Athletic, Watkins has not trained with Villa in recent days as he wants to leave the club.

The England international has been offered a contract extension until 2030 but is understood to be keen on the switch to Saudi Arabia.