RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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"Silence," said Emery when asked pre-match about Ollie Watkins' absence from the Villa squad.
But the noise surrounding the club is only bound to grow louder after their horror show in Brighton.
Watkins looks likely to be the latest to leave Villa this summer with the England striker linked with a move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez's future also remain uncertain following a failed move to Juventus and the arrival of Japan's Zion Suzuki.
It lays bare the task Emery has to replicate last season's success, having also lost Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne and Ezri Konsa this summer - all core members of the group.
Even then, the manner of the defeat in the league opener hints Emery's problems this season could run far deeper.
Gomes recovered from an injury in time to start the opener but the midfielder, signed from Wolves for £38m, put in a display that could contend for one of the worst debuts.
The Brazilian was cautioned for waving an imaginary card at the referee, gave away the ball in the box for Brighton's fourth goal and was then sent off for kicking out at Rutter.
After securing fourth place in the Premier League and then winning the Europa League last season, Villa were always going to face a challenge to match those heights.
But this opening display will raise questions whether Emery's side could be heading in the opposite direction.
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