Premier League GW17 - Brentford vs Aston Villa

Brentford vs Aston Villa | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Brentford and Aston Villa had a thrilling match at the Gtech Community Stadium that had many twists and turns. In an attempt to end a series of recent setbacks, Brentford took against Unai Emery's powerful Villa team, who were enjoying a five-game Premier League winning streak.

Brentford:

After a challenging Premier League campaign, Brentford will be looking to get some momentum when they host Aston Villa. In their last five games in the top division of England, the Bees have only won one and lost four times. Thomas Frank's team will be hoping to recover from their dismal away loss to Sheffield United, who are currently in a difficult situation. Depending on goal differential, a victory would put Brentford above Chelsea and into the top half, but they will have a tough test against Unai Emery's high-flying Aston Villa.

Aston Villa:

As they prepare to play at the Gtech Community Stadium, Aston Villa is playing fantastically. The Midlands club defeated Arsenal 1-0 at home in their most recent Premier League game to increase their winning streak to five (W4 D1 L0). With 16 games played, they are now in third place with 35 points. Emery has not lost a game in London since moving to Villa Park, and he has won all six of his Premier League matches in the city (W4 D2). If their current performance continues, the Villans have a genuine chance to make it into the Champions League, and a victory today will undoubtedly increase that possibility.

StartingXI:

BRENTFORD (3-5-2):

Mark Flekken; Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock, Zanka; Mads Roerslev, Vitaly Janelt, Christian Norgaard, Mikkel Damsgaard, Saman Ghoddos; Yoane Wissa, Keane Lewis-Potter.

BRENTFORD SUBS: Charlie Goode, Neal Maupay, Frank Onyenka, Thomas Strakosha, Nathan Collins, Myles Peart-Harris, Shandon Baptiste, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Michael Olakigbe.

ASTON VILLA (3-5-2):

Emiliano Martinez; Pau Torres, Diego Carlos, Ezri Konsa; Alex Moreno, John McGinn, Jacob Ramsey, Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash; Ollie Watkins, Moussa Diaby.

ASTON VILLA SUBS: Calum Chambers, Clement Lenglet, Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran, Leon Bailey, Leander Dendoncker, Filip Marschall, Tim Iroegbunam, Sam Proctor.

Gtech Community Stadium | Picture Credits: talkSPORT

First Half: Brentford's Clinical Opener

Brentford played strong defense in the first half, as neither team was able to generate many clear-cut opportunities. But things took a drastic change around the 45-minute mark. Villa's box was engulfed in turmoil following a Ghoddos corner. The chance was grabbed by Lewis-Potter, who scored a goal with precision after latching onto a stray ball, giving the Bees a 1-0 lead at the half.

Second Half: Red Cards and Turnaround

There was a lot of heat and disagreement in the second half. After reviewing Norgaard's challenge on McGinn in the 47th minute, VAR decided to only show a yellow card. When Mee was sent off for a careless tackle in the 71st minute, Brentford was down to 10 men, and the game took a dramatic turn.

With the numerical advantage, Aston Villa prevailed, and in the 77th minute, their perseverance paid off. Bailey was set up by McGinn and produced a precise cross. With a strong header, Moreno overcame Brentford's defense to tie the game at one.

As Villa finished his incredible comeback, the drama went on. Watkins was in the ideal position to receive Kamara's flick-on from a Ramsey corner in the 85th minute. With a perfectly timed header that beat Flekken, the striker gave Villa a 2-1 lead.

Villa's Resilience Prevails

Because of Martinez's antics, there was turmoil in the last moments when Kamara was sent off for an altercation. Despite a large-scale melee that broke out, Villa managed to hold on and win 2-1.

Aston Villa overcame a 1-0 deficit with remarkable tenacity and character to win 2-1. Despite a strong beginning, Brentford was not happy with the outcome. With the victory, Villa climbs further up the Premier League standings, forcing Brentford to regroup over the holiday schedule.

Lewis-Potter scored right before the half time and gave Brentford a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Moreno's goal levelled the score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Watkins scored a goal with a header for Villa which gave them a 2-1 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website