Brentford maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier League season at six games after coming from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. However, the result extended their winless run away from home in the top flight to eight matches.
Match Report
Although it may be premature to suggest that Unai Emery is facing serious pressure following a slow start to the season after Villa’s UEFA Europa League triumph last season, the atmosphere certainly suggested otherwise. The pressure increased in the 10th minute when Villa failed to clear El Hadji Malick Diouf’s cross properly, allowing Yehor Yarmolyuk to guide the ball into the net from the edge of the box to put Brentford ahead.
However, the visitors’ lead was short-lived as Aston Villa responded almost immediately, helped by a fortunate deflection. Emi Buendia’s effort took a deflection and landed perfectly for the unmarked Nicolas Jackson, who calmly squeezed the ball home to restore parity.
Following the early exchange of goals, clear-cut chances became scarce, with neither team able to establish a significant attacking threat. Johan Manzambi came close twice for Villa, with Michael Kayode blocking his first attempt before Caoimhin Kelleher stopped his follow-up effort. At the other end, Keane Lewis-Potter tested Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, whose intervention prevented the ball from reaching the net at the near post.
Suzuki was called into action again shortly after the restart, making a good low save to deny Kevin Schade and prevent Brentford from regaining the lead. Buendia then threatened for the hosts, sending an effort into the side netting. The Argentine was among Villa’s standout performers and came close to putting his team in front when his shot deflected off Kristoffer Ajer before curling narrowly wide of the post.
Despite a match that lacked consistent quality, the contest finally came alive in the closing stages. John McGinn appeared to have secured victory for Villa in the 77th minute when his deflected effort found its way into the far corner.
However, Brentford responded almost immediately, just as they had after conceding their first goal. Ajer, who is not particularly known for his goalscoring ability, produced an impressive attacking run from defence, drove into the penalty area and powered the ball past the goalkeeper at the near post to make it 2-2.
Both sides may ultimately consider the draw a fair outcome, although the result is unlikely to ease the growing pressure on Emery.
