Stan Collymore gives Aston Villa reason for hope as Johan Manzambi absence felt vs Brighton

Stan Collymore is desperate to see Johan Manzambi in action after Aston Villa's humbling loss to Brighton.

The Villans were thumped 4-0 at the Amex Stadium in their first Premier League game of the season on Sunday, conceding all four goals after 31 minutes.

Victor Lindelof and Pau Torres were abysmal at the back, while Joao Gomes suffered a debut from hell in a 40-minute appearance that ended in a red card.

Unai Emery's midfield was completely disconnected from the attack; even more so, it had no connection to the defence, which cost Villa when playing out from the back on several occasions.

Gomes' performance highlighted just how bad the Villans have been set back with the loss of Youri Tielemans, but all hope is not yet lost.

This is because Manzambi will soon be back fit for Aston Villa, something Collymore can't wait for.

What has Stan Collymore said about Johan Manzambi?

Villa's first-half display against Brighton particularly showcased why Collymore's opinion about Manzambi's absence was bang on the money.

Collymore wrote on X: "Manzambi can't come in quickly enough. A ball-carrying midfielder who can turn midfielders and defenders and put a team on the offensive."

Excluding Villa's overall stats, which were even worse, their first-half reading showed why Collymore is right.

The Villans had just 38 per cent of the ball, creating four shots and a measly 0.10 in expected goals.

They had just two touches in Brighton's box in the first 45, and their passing accuracy was nine per cent worse than the Seagulls'.

The majority of Villa's attacks came down either flank, with 25 per cent coming from central areas, proving a lack of threat from the middle.

Manzambi has been backed to become a success at Aston Villa, and there could be an outside chance that he is fit as soon as the game against Arsenal next for the Villans.

The historic stat that painted enormity of Manzambi's absence

Emery historically plays a two-midfielder pivot, and that could continue if Manzambi plays next to Boubacar Kamara.

The option is always there to go to a three-man midfield, especially after the loss of Morgan Rogers, who has yet to be replaced by an attacker.

Brighton's early flurry against Villa was the fastest that a team have been 4-0 up in an opening Premier League game since Manchester United's 19-minute demolition of Fulham in 2007, which paints the picture quite clearly.

Manzambi is needed back for Villa, and quickly, as Emery will also have to shore up other areas in time for Arsenal.