Aston Villa’s opening fixture of 2022 ended in defeat, Brentford claiming all 3 points after Villa failed to hold on to the lead for the second consecutive game.
Danny Ings opened the scoring after a sublime turn-and-pass from Emi Buendia but Yoane Wissa equaliser before half-time undid all Villa’s hard work.
Aston Villa failed to harness the energy and desire shown in the first half and Brentford took full advantage, Mads Roerslev firing home after his initial shot was well saved by Emi Martinez in the 83rd minute.
Danny Ings’ late effort was well saved by Fernandez as Villa suffered defeat on their first visit to Brentford Community Stadium.
I’m joined by Gary Plaza to rate the performances of our boys in Claret and Blue!
STARTING LINE-UP
Formation 4-3-3
Emi Martinez – 6
Very quiet game for Martinez. Only had 3 real attacks on his goal however 2 attacks resulted in goals.
Great save to deny Brentford whilst still 1-1 then unlucky with the second after making a good initial save. Gary Plaza
Matty Cash – 6
Battled well against Sergio Canos before the Brentford’s man withdrawal early in the second half. Did his job well defensively but made little impact in attack on this occasion. Ryan Mckeown
Ezri Konsa – 6
Half decent game for Konsa but nothing more. Continues to look shakey without Mings.
Needs to start closing down shots as I feel he could’ve done more to block the opener. Gary Plaza
Kortney Hause – 4
Bad day at the office for Kortney Hause, made his first appearance for Villa since October, and it showed, a very rusty and shaky performance from the centre-half.
Failed to settle throughout the game; rashly volleying a back-pass out for a corner before gifting Wissa far too much time and space for Brentford’s equaliser.
Again, that lack of match sharpness and concentration cost Villa; Hause’s poor control and lethargic closing down allowed Baptiste time to pick out Roerslev for Brentford’s winner. Ryan Mckeown
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Matt Targett – 4
Links to Nicolás Tagliafico seem to have sent Targett back to 2019 and our first season back in the PL.
Poor game overall, out of position again and again but also seems lost for ideas going forwards. Hopefully just a poor day at the office for him. Gary Plaza
Douglas Luiz – 6
Another nearly performance like so many. Honestly believe todays result is down to our midfield. This was a game we could’ve really won easily especially after the first half.
We needed someone to really create the tempo we required as the slow game really did not favour our game.
Nothing to shout about with today’s outing. Gary Plaza
John McGinn – 6
The stand-in Captain started the game in full John McGinn combat mode, covering every blade of grass and having a couple of efforts from distance.
The second half was a much more muted affair, as with the rest of the side, the energy died. He did however play a terrific ball inside for Ings as we went in search of an equaliser.
Booked as frustrations grew and will now miss the Premier League clash with Manchester United at Villa Park. Ryan Mckeown
Jacob Ramsey – 6
Good performance from Ramsey carrying the ball well and drove at the Brentford defence on several occasions. Confidence is sky-high!
His booking for a trip on Onyeka in the first half appeared to hamper his full combative play and was potentially the reason for his substitution. I was hoping to see Traore come off for Sanson with Ramsey pushed further forward; it wasn’t to be. Ryan Mckeown
Emi Buendia – 8*
Best game in a Villa shirt today. Superb display and one that didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Excellent turn and through ball to set Ings away for the Villa goal.
Provided further chances throughout the game which is why we spent the money on him. Hoping this is a sign that we are starting to see the best of him! Gary Plaza
Danny Ings – 7
Expertly executed his 4th of the season after a superb turn and through ball from Buendia. Before the goal the Ings x Buendia link craved open an early effort for the visitors; Fernandez pushed the shot wide for a corner.
Had a late attempt saved after a delightful ball inside from John McGinn. Won me £30 after I had a £5 on him for the opener! Ryan Mckeown
Bertrand Traore – 5
Like many of Traore’s performances, this was much of the same. Moments of brilliance and great skill followed by poor passes.
Going to the African Cup of Nations will be good for him as he needs game time, still believe he has so much to give the club. Gary Plaza
Substitutions
Morgan Sanson (on for Ramsey, 68mins) 5 Struggled to make an impact in the middle of the park. Ryan Mckeown
Trezeguet (on for Traore, 79mins) 10 – For the dive! Lucky to be alive after that appalling elbow!! Not on long enough to give a proper rating.
Subs not used: Jed Steer, Anwar El Ghazi, Jaden Philogene-Bidace, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cameron Archer, Tim Iroegbunam, Josh Feeney
Goals
Brentford Wissa (42), Roerslev (83)
Aston Villa Ings (16)
Opposition
Brentford Fernandez; Pinnock, Jansson, Mads Bech; Roerslev, Onyeka (Janelt, 79), Norgaard, Jensen (Baptiste, 60), Canos (Ghoddos, 54); Wissa, Toney.
Subs not used Cox, Thompson, Forss, Ajer, Bidstrup, Stevens.
THE BOSS
UP NEXT
Manchester United (A) | FA Cup 3rd Round | 19.55 10th January 2022
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