Aston Villa battled back from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Brentford on Sunday to temporarily at least move into second place in the Premier League table.
The hosts took the lead just before half-time through Keane Lewis-Potter, but second-half efforts from Alex Moreno and Ollie Watkins turned it around in our favour to seal all three points.
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A late red card for Boubacar Kamara soured the victory as we’ll miss his presence during his suspension, but Ben Mee’s dismissal earlier in the half was undoubtedly a big turning point.
Villa controlled possession for much of the encounter but struggled to produce the quality needed in the final third. However, our pressure eventually got us back into it and sparked the turnaround to continue our brilliant form and start to the season.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Brentford:
Emiliano Martinez, 8 – Made a pivotal save in the first half that prevented us from going behind early, and that was a big moment in the game. Continued to provide solidity at the back, but disappointing that he got involved at the end as tempers flared and ultimately led to Kamara’s dismissal.
Ezri Konsa, 7 – Another positive shift as he was switched on throughout defensively and kept things tight to limit Brentford’s threat on the counter attack in particular.
Diego Carlos, 7 – Assured in possession as he helped us control proceedings with our build-up play out from the back. Struggled at times with the movement and pace of Brentford’s frontmen, but an important display nonetheless.
Pau Torres, 7 – Similarly to Carlos, he was key in helping us maintain control through possession, and with Brentford defending deep and in numbers, his distribution was vital to sustaining our pressure.
Alex Moreno, 7.5 – Will be disappointed that he didn’t do better for Brentford’s goal as he was caught out trying to clear the danger. However, more than made up for it with a good performance capped off with the crucial equaliser as he showed great movement and finishing instincts to head home.
Matty Cash, 6.5 – Energetic display as he was key in helping us impose ourselves in the game and controlling tempo. However, aside from missing a decent chance in the first half, he couldn’t quite add any quality in the final third which limited us.
Boubacar Kamara, 7 – Critical with his tenacious play in the midfield battle, as he disrupted Brentford’s counters and helped us dictate with possession. Did well dropping back into defence in the latter stages too as we chased a winner, but will be frustrated his afternoon ended with an avoidable red card.
John McGinn, 7.5 – What a shift from the Villa skipper. His work ethic and combativeness was vital in the heart of the midfield, and so that decision from Emery paid dividends as he helped us get a foothold and impose ourselves. His versatility continues to impress as he does the job in different roles and positions.
Jacob Ramsey, 6.5 – Looked sharp in the early stages as he linked up well getting forward in support of Watkins. Couldn’t find a decisive end product though, and gradually became less involved as the game went on.
Moussa Diaby, 6 – The Frenchman is searching for some form at the minute, as although he has contributed with some important goal involvements in recent weeks, he clearly isn’t at his influential best to make a bigger impact. Tried to make something happen but couldn’t produce.
Ollie Watkins, 8 – Was quiet for most of the game aside from his link-up play to help string our attacks together. However, made the all-important impact with his winning header in the second half to seal the comeback, making it 14 goals in 24 appearances so far this season. Decisive.
Substitutes:
Jhon Duran, 6.5 – Added more presence up top alongside Watkins to give us a different dynamic and open up space for others against a stubborn, deep-sitting Brentford defence.
Leon Bailey, 7.5 – Another pivotal contribution as he provided the assist for our equaliser to get us back into it with a decisive impact off the bench.
Nicolo Zaniolo, N/A
Leander Dendoncker, N/A