Aston Villa successfully addressed their post-Champions League challenges as Ollie Watkins scored against his former team, Brentford.
Unai Emery’s main concern this season has been consistently earning points after participating in European competitions.
Before this match, Villa had only won once after a European game this season, back in September when fatigue wasn’t a significant factor.
Following their important European match in Belgium on Tuesday, there were worries about another poor performance in London.
However, Watkins, scoring his sixth goal in six games against Brentford, provided a decisive moment in a generally messy game.
Villa’s victory is even more satisfying considering that Emery was without key players Marco Asensio and Emi Martinez due to injuries.
After a disorganized start with some shaky Villa defense, the away team created the first genuine scoring opportunities.
Jacob Ramsey, playing on the left, moved centrally and curled a shot towards the top corner, but Nathan Collins headed it away.
Shortly after, Villa was denied again when Tyrone Mings’ close-range shot from a Youri Tielemans free-kick was weak.
Villa effectively prevented Brentford’s usually aggressive forwards from breaking through their defense.
Throughout the first half, Brentford only managed one shot on target from Keane Lewis-Potter, easily saved by Robin Olsen.
Emery’s team had to work hard for their chances and struggled to capitalize on them.
Tielemans made a clever run into the penalty area, but his shot was blocked at the near post, and his subsequent header in the six-yard box went over the bar.
Villa started the second half with the intention of securing a win if they could maintain their energy.
Watkins, previously with Brentford and booed throughout the match, opened the scoring due to poor defending and goalkeeping.
Ramsey passed to Watkins on Villa’s left side.
With no Brentford players challenging him, Watkins advanced and shot low towards the goal.
The shot was strong but should have been saved by Mark Flekken, who let it slip under him.
Watkins, who last year confronted an abusive Brentford fan after scoring, celebrated with the Aston Villa supporters this time.
Two minutes later, Watkins thought he had set up Morgan Rogers for a second goal, but it was disallowed for a very tight offside.
If that goal had counted, Brentford’s chances would have been slim, but they continued to attack, especially on the left side.
Axel Disasi, on loan from Chelsea, proved to be a strong defender.
The French defender strongly celebrated stopping Lewis-Potter’s cross and later prevented Kevin Schade as well.
Thomas Frank, Brentford’s manager, was unhappy about two penalty appeals for challenges by Disasi on Schade.
Neither penalty was awarded, and VAR did not overturn the decisions.
Emery, feeling the one-goal lead was fragile, brought on Marcus Rashford to try to increase their advantage, but he had little impact, and Villa had to defend their narrow lead.
Brentford pressed hard in search of an equalizer, with Lewis-Potter hitting the post from distance.
Olsen made a good save to deny another Schade attempt, and Christian Noorgard shot wide after a series of Villa blocks.
