(Reuters) - Aston Villa full back Alan Hutton wrapped up a 3-1 come-from-behind win at Hull City with a mazy dribble and clinical finish to seal the points in their Championship opener on Monday.
Hutton ran through the home defence and fired in the third goal -- his first since December 2014 -- to delight manager Steve Bruce after a tough period off the pitch at the Midlands club.
Villa fell behind after seven minutes through Evandro but Tommy Elphick equalised with a header in the 14th before Ahmed Elmohamady scored against his old club with 20 minutes to go.
That left the stage for Scottish defender Hutton to grab a rare goal and ensure that Villa, who lost to Fulham in last season's playoff final, enjoyed the perfect start to the season.
Villa's finances have improved since NSWE, a company jointly owned by billionaires Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, came forward last month with a "significant investment".
Before NSWE's involvement, Bruce said Villa would probably have to sell several of their best players, including midfielder Jack Grealish, to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
(Writing by Ken Ferris; Editing by Ian Chadband)