Aston Villa have one of the worst halves in Premier League history as debutant goes full Jonathan Woodgate

Joao Gomes was sent off in his Aston Villa debut as Unai Emery’s side suffered a first half from hell against Brighton.

Villa were battered by the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium on Sunday – going 4-0 down.

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To make matters worse, Gomes received his marching orders for kicking out at Brighton player Georginio Rutter.

Villa signed the 25-year-old from Wolves in a deal worth £34m this summer.

talkSPORT’s Toby Gilles said: “It might be the worst ever half from a Premier League club ever by Aston Villa.”

Former Arsenal star, and talkSPORT pundit, Perry Groves compared it to Jonathan Woodgate’s infamous debut for Real Madrid.

Groves said: “He’s got caught on the ball. I think his debut probably goes up there with Jonathan Woodgate’s and Real Madrid.

“He got caught on the ball for Jack Hinshelwood’s second goal. He’s just got caught on the ball again. 

“He’s just dithering on it and loses it completely. He overreacts and his right foot goes up right into the midriff 

“You cannot show your six studs and boot your opponent in the stomach.”

A Victor Lindelof own goal put Brighton in front after eight minutes, before Maxim De Cuyper doubled the lead 10 minutes later.

Jack Hinshelwood scored in the 30th and 31st minutes to pile on the misery for a fuming Emery.

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Gomes received his marching orders five minutes before the break to make a comeback even more insurmountable.

He is the first player to receive a first-half red card on his Premier League debut for a club since QPR’s Samba Diakité against Fulham in February 2012.

Aston Villa’s issues

Villa’s problems in the first half has highlighted their transfer business this summer.

Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea in a £117m deal – a record for an English player.

Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne saw their transfer release clauses met by Man United and PSG respectively.

Ezri Konsa became the latest player to exit Villa Park as he joined Arsenal in a £55m deal.

Ollie Watkins looks to be on his way out too as talkSPORT understands Al Hilal will return with a fifth offer.

Villa are looking at Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea as his replacement.