*Aston Villa put a troubled summer behind them as they came from behind to win their opening Championship match of the season at Hull.*

Right-back Alan Hutton’s first goal since December 2014 capped victory for Villa, whose serious financial problems came to the fore after last season’s play-off final defeat at Wembley.

Hull had led after seven minutes when Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer failed to get a meaningful punch to a right-wing cross and Evandro looped in the rebound from 20 yards.

However, Villa quickly responded with centre-back Tommy Elphick’s headed equaliser, before the visitors capitalised on two Hull errors in the second half to take all three points.

After Conor Hourihane had clipped the top of the bar with a free-kick, former Tigers winger Ahmed Elmohamady pounced on a poor clearance by Hull goalkeeper David Marshall to edge Villa ahead.

Hutton produced an identical finish after more sloppy Hull defending to complete the win.

Villa start brightly after gloomy summer

Any fears of financial doom at Villa Park were extinguished by the investment of billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens in July.

The prospect of another Villa promotion challenge this term is likely to depend on how much manager Steve Bruce - who managed Hull between 2012 and 2016 - can strengthen his side before the end of August.

Axel Tuanzebe rejoined on loan from Manchester United earlier on Monday, while Bristol City have accepted £6m bids from Villa and Middlesbrough for left-back Joe Bryan.

Also critical will be whether Tottenham target Jack Grealish, who left the field to a rapturous reception from the travelling fans when he was substituted late on, will still be with them beyond Thursday’s Premier League transfer deadline.

Hull put in an encouraging performance as they bid to improve on last season’s 18th-place finish, but defensive errors cost a team showing four debutants from the start.

Jarrod Bowen, who scored for Hull in the fixture between the sides on the opening day of last season, forced Steer into a low save before half-time and saw a long-range effort deflected wide just after the break.

*Villa boss Steve Bruce*

“Let’s not kid ourselves. We’ve got a long way to go and a lot of work to do, but it’s nice to come away from home and show a bit of character to get the result.

“We were too slow in our build-up play in the first half. In the second half we showed a bit more cutting edge.

“And I’m so pleased for Alan Hutton in particular. It’s been a privilege to work with him for the last two years. He works really hard and he’s a great example to any young player.”