Aston Villa finally got back to winning ways after securing a 3-1 victory over Brentford in the Premier League in midweek.
Goals from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash put us in full control in the first half, and although the visitors showed some fight after the break, it wasn’t enough to deny us all three points.
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It’s a fundamental win for Unai Emery and the players in our bid to rebuild some confidence and form, as it ends an eight-game winless streak across all competitions.
While a league clean sheet continues to prove elusive, this game was all about securing all three points to get back on track, and Villa ensured that was the case at least.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Brentford:
Emiliano Martinez, 7 – Important boost to see him start amid an injury concern, and aside from being beaten by a good finish, he was alert to danger when needed and his distribution was accurate for the most part.
Matty Cash, 7.5 – Diligent defensive shift as he kept things tight on that side, and he produced an excellent finish to make it 3-0 as he drilled his effort home at the back post.
Ezri Konsa, 7.5 – Solid display as he was crucial with his pace at the back to snuff out Brentford’s attack on the counter and when playing over the top. Reunited with his old friend in the heart of the Villa defence to give us a solid foundation.
Tyrone Mings, 8 – Back starting in the Premier League for the first time since August 2023, Mings produced a brilliant performance. Made countless key interventions to clear danger in the box as he headed anything and everything away, and he was critical in giving us more defensive solidity.
Lucas Digne, 6.5 – Continues to allow his opposing winger too much time and space to cut inside onto their preferred foot and deliver a dangerous cross. It’s a trend that has developed in recent games, and it led to Brentford’s goal. A decent shift though in both phases that aside.
Boubacar Kamara, 7.5 – Showed his class again in this one both in and out of possession. Played a key role in the build-up to our opening goal, while he broke Brentford’s play up and kept us ticking over on the ball to break the lines and create openings.
Youri Tielemans, 7.5 – Much better from our midfield maestro, as he played key passes to set us off in attack and was tenacious off the ball too. Hopefully his partnership with Kamara is going from strength to strength.
Leon Bailey, 7 – Played a great pass over the top that led to Watkins winning the penalty for our second goal, and showed more glimpses of his quality when he’s more confident and taking his man on. Still room for improvement, but played an important part in the team’s performance.
John McGinn, 7.5 – An improvement from the skipper, as he was tenacious and full of energy in both phases to help drive us forward and get the win. That was on show for our third goal and hopefully he can keep building to get back to his best.
Morgan Rogers, 8 – Decisive opening goal to break the deadlock and set us on our way, and it was some finish too. Provided the delivery that led to Cash’s goal, and so it was a timely return to form for our influential attacker.
Ollie Watkins, 7.5 – Did really well to win the penalty and just about tucked away his spot-kick to double our lead. His movement was great and he worked tirelessly for the team, but his finishing must still improve as he had two really good chances that he couldn’t convert.
Substitutes:
Jhon Duran, 6 – Added energy and fresh impetus after coming on and so it was a positive contribution. Similarly to Watkins though, he must be more clinical in front of goal as he had a decent effort saved.
Jaden Philogene, 6 – Struggled last weekend, but this was a good shift from the winger as he worked hard off the ball to help us see out the win, while he grew in confidence in possession.
Ross Barkley, 5.5 – Bit of a sloppy effort in the latter stages as he was dispossessed a couple of times which led to Brentford threatening, but ultimately we were able to see it out.
Emiliano Buendia, N/A
Ian Maatsen, N/A
