Kristoffer Ajer’s second-half equaliser ensured Brentford continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League season in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
Keith Andrews’ side have now gone six games without defeat to begin the campaign, while Villa’s wait for a home league win continues, though they did register their first point in front of their own fans.
Brentford’s lightning start
Brentford’s lightning start was capped by Yehor Yarmoliuk opening the scoring with his first goal since January, but it was cancelled out when Nicolas Jackson equalised for the hosts just 88 seconds later.
Villa have relied on John McGinn many times during his eight years at the club, and he once again stepped up, thinking he gave Villa a much-needed home victory with his first league goal of the season. But it was Brentford’s turn to hit back in quick style when Ajer pulled the game level just over two minutes later, ensuring both teams took home a share of the spoils.
Early breakthrough and quick response
The visitors made the breakthrough in the 10th minute after Tyrone Mings’ stray pass was gifted straight to Igor Thiago, who saw his cross cleared straight into the path of Yarmoliuk, who buried a first-time shot past Zion Suzuki.
But the Brentford fans had hardly finished celebrating before the hosts equalised. McGinn set Villa on the front foot and passed it to Emi Buendia; his shot deflected nicely into the path of Jackson, who stabbed home for his second goal in as many games.
Chances at both ends
The open nature of the contest led to chances at both ends of the pitch. Villa thought they should have gone ahead as Johan Manzambi had a couple of efforts, the latter being palmed by Caoimhin Kelleher into the path of Buendia, who fluffed his shot into the building site behind the goal.
The Bees went down the other end and forced Suzuki into his first save from Jaidon Anthony’s strike from the edge of the area. Villa should have gone into the interval in front but were denied by a crucial double save by Kelleher. He may have been at fault for spilling Jackson’s initial effort into the onrushing Buendia, but he did well the second time by sticking a hand up.
The away side started the second half in similar vein to the first period when Kevin Schade’s effort brought a diving save from Suzuki. Brentford substitute Mamadou Sangare handed an opportunity straight to Buendia, who unleashed an effort which deflected past a wrongfooted Kelleher but also past the post.
Late drama and equaliser
Mathias Jensen picked out an unmarked Anthony at the far post, but he got his header all wrong before Villa Park erupted in the 77th minute as they hit the front. Manzambi caused problems for the Bees all afternoon and he set up McGinn, who saw his effort bounce off Ajer and in.
But, much like the first half, one goal brought another, and this time it was Brentford who got the quick equaliser when Anthony fed into Ajer, who expertly tucked home.
