Brighton had the better chances in the first half with Tariq Lamptey and Leo Trossard both having efforts saved by Villa keeper Martinez.
While Brighton keeper Jason Steele preformed well on his Premier League debut to keep out Matty Cash and Danny Ings.
The hosts improved after the break and pinned Albion back. Villa’s first goal of the Gerrard era arrived seven minutes from time courtesy of a superb curling strike from Ollie Watkins.
Tyrone Mings then smashed home a second goal after 88 minutes to send Villa Park wild and hand Gerrard’s team victory.
Scroll down and click through to see how each player rated on a highly-charged afternoon at Villa Park
The hosts improved after the break and pinned Albion back. Villa’s first goal of the Gerrard era arrived seven minutes from time courtesy of a superb curling strike from Ollie Watkins.