Aston Villa secured a comeback 2-1 win over Brentford on Sunday, through second-half goals from Alex Moreno and Ollie Watkins.
The hosts broke the deadlock just before the break after what was a frustrating opening 45 minutes, with Villa enjoying plenty of possession and looking sharp at times, but ultimately failing to find a breakthrough.
READ MORE: Watkins explains reaction to scoring Villa winner vs Brentford
Ben Mee’s sending off was a pivotal moment in the game as although we continued to apply pressure before and after his dismissal, it wasn’t until the 77th minute that we were able to get back on level terms.
Just eight minutes later, we were ahead courtesy of Watkins, and although Boubacar Kamara’s late red card was a sour way to end the feisty encounter, the important thing was that Villa were able to come away with all three points in another difficult assignment away from home.
Villa learn from past errors, find a way
After the first half, there were concerning similarities with other recent away trips to the likes of Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, where we’ve struggled to produce our best football.
Villa dominated possession for the most part, but there was no end product to make it count. That lack of ruthlessness was punished with the opener from the hosts, but this time round, we had an answer.
As noted above, Mee’s red card was a key moment and that influenced what followed. It took just six minutes to equalise, but it’s a vital learning experience for these Villa players in how to play with control and with our game plan in mind to eventually find ways to win, when perhaps we’re not at our clinical best.
Alex Moreno making big impact on return
That’s now two goals in six appearances so far this season, as the Spaniard continues to show exactly why he became such an instant fans’ favourite after his arrival back in January.
Aside from his improving defensive qualities and ability to attack down the left to offer width and a dangerous outlet, he’s now timing his runs into the box much more effectively to become a goal threat.
His movement at the back post and composure to finish was excellent, and it was a pivotal turning point for us that sparked the turnaround. It’s great to have him back available, and it sets up an interesting battle with Lucas Digne for that starting spot now.
Leon Bailey’s excellent season continues
Such has been the improvement and impact from Bailey, seeing him make the bench after being a fitness concern was a huge boost for all concerned given how influential he’s been so far this season for us.
That’s now eight goals and eight assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, as he floated a brilliant delivery over to the back post for Moreno to head home.
Particularly with others perhaps not in their peak form, Bailey’s upturn has been fundamental to our progress so far this year, and it’s hoped that he’ll be fully fit for our upcoming games and can continue to make such a vital impact.
Watkins delivers knock-out blow
Villa offered a public show of support to Watkins after the game as he had explained his reaction to scoring, which involved a heated response directed at a particular Brentford fan behind the goal.
It was fitting then that although he of course has an amicable and close relationship with many at his former club, that he was able to deliver the decisive blow that sealed the win for us.
Watkins was adamant that the abuse he received overstepped the mark, and so it’s hoped that the situation is dealt with by the relevant parties. However, he made his impact on the game in the best way possible to help us pick up all three points.
Kamara red disappointing, Villa to learn from heated win
For all the positives of the win, it was disappointing to see Kamara sent off in added time, as the influential Villa midfielder will now serve a suspension.
The encounter became increasingly heated and bad tempered as the second half went on in particular, and that entire situation leading up to that moment could have been avoided.
Emery himself was booked despite only trying to calm things down by entering the pitch, and he noted in his post-match comments that he will address that in his game debrief as Villa will have to learn from it and show maturity and calmness as we will face high-pressure situations and provocation moving forward too that could have bigger consequences for our ambitions.
