Aston Villa battered Albion – in every position.

That was the verdict from former England striker Alan Shearer as he analysed the hosts’ 6-1 win on BBC’s Match Of The Day.

Shearer felt Billy Gilmour and teenage debutant Jack Hinshelwood were fighting an uneven battle in the middle of the park.

But that was not the only area where Villa were on top.

Shearer told viewers: “They dominated Brighton in every position from start to finish.

“They were certainly too strong for them in midfield.

“They were prepared to commit men forward, push the full-backs really high and, when they get into those positions, then they certainly punished Brighton.

“They just couldn’t cope with them.

“I thought Matty Cash was superb and certainly showed that when he set the first goal up.

“His movement was excellent.

“They were also prepared to sit and then force Brighton into errors.

“They pressed them really well.

“At the right time, in the right positions, but then they didn’t sit back to admire that.”

Shearer highlighted “terrible defending to let him (Ollie Watkins) come back inside on his right foot and then put goal No. 2 away”.

He added: “They battered them in midfield.

“Hinshelwood and Gilmour couldn’t cope with Aston Villa’s strength and pace.

“They hurt them and they went after them and they scored some good goals.”