Stat Attack: All you need to know about Aston Villa 2-0 Brighton

Luke Bissett

LiveScore

Steven Gerrard celebrates his first victory as Aston Villa manager

Steven Gerrard won his first game as a Premier League manager as Aston Villa beat Brighton 2-0 at Villa Park.

The Villans' new era under Gerrard looked set to start as a goalless draw until his side scored a double late-on.

Ashley Young fed Ollie Watkins down the left flank in the 84th minute, with the forward cutting inside and firing past Jason Steele to give the hosts the lead.

Just five minutes later, Villa had their second when Tyrone Mings finished after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

The victory ends Aston Villa's run of five straight defeats, while Brighton remain in eighth place.

And new manager Gerrard was delighted with his side's performance. He said: "I was feeling a combination of things. It was a mixture of excitement, relief and pride.

"I cannot be any more proud of the players. This was a big week, a big game for the team on the back of losing five.

"Everything we have asked them to do, in the main, they have followed instruction and delivered a really good performance in the end. I couldn't be more proud."

It was an assured performance from John McGinn

After a torrid run of form, Seagulls boss Graham Potter cut a downbeat figure at the end of the game. He said: "We have to be critical of ourselves.

"We gave ourselves a chance to win the game but, ultimately, if you don't score, you don't win.

"We need to do a little bit better. I think we can be better. But that's something for us to work with and keep trying to work with and keep trying to improve."