Aston Villa fell to a controversial 1-0 defeat against 10-man Brentford at Villa Park, with a disallowed Tammy Abraham goal sparking fury. The decision, made by VAR official Paul Tierney, ruled that Leon Bailey had failed to keep the ball in play 19 seconds before Abraham's strike, leading to a four-minute review and the goal being chalked off.
Villa manager Unai Emery criticised the ruling, stating: 'I think it's not fair, but it happened and I must accept it. The referees are demanding of themselves to get everything right. It's difficult for VAR to analyse this goal.' Brentford boss Keith Andrews acknowledged the debate over how far back to review, but insisted it was the same phase of play.
Brentford had taken the lead in first-half stoppage time through Dango Ouattara, who cut inside and fired into the top corner. This came five minutes after Kevin Schade was sent off for stamping on Matty Cash's groin. Despite being a man down, Brentford defended resolutely, with Caoimhín Kelleher making several saves to preserve the lead.
The defeat ends Villa's unbeaten home run and is their second consecutive loss at Villa Park for the first time in two years. Andrews praised his side's defensive display, calling it 'a defensive masterclass'. The result moves Brentford within four points of fifth-placed Chelsea.
