Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Aston Villa 3
Aston Villa paid a little more respect to the Caraboa League Cup than Albion and found plenty of gaps in the Seagulls midfield.
Many Albion fans were surprised with Graham Potter’s line up which included no less than 14 current under-23 players in the 18-man squad.
Jota put Villa ahead on 22 minutes and Conor Hourihan added a second just before half time.
Aaron Connolly hit the bar for Albion in the first half and forced a good save from Jed Steer.
But in truth Villa we’re running through the Seagulls midfield, requiring Albion keeper David Button to make several smart saves.
Albion’s youngsters looked a little more composed and compact as the second half started and it was Roberts who pulled a goal back for Albion with a header from a corner.
Albion had a few chances to fashion an equaliser but it was Villa substitute Jack Grealish who wrapped things up with a stunning strike on 77 minutes.
The Seagulls’ older generation, it is assumed, will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (28 September) at 3pm.
