Aston Villa faced off against Brentford in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
The Villans went into this game on an eight-match winless run with a lack of confidence.
Unai Emery made two changes to the Aston Villa side that lost to Chelsea on Sunday, as Tyrone Mings and Leon Bailey replaced Pau Torres and Jaden Philogene.
It was a nervy opening to the contest from the hosts, with Brentford making a fast start to the game and pressing Emery’s men high.
However, once Villa settled down into their shape and popped the ball around nicely, they soon dominated proceedings and looked back to their best.
Morgan Rogers, who has been out of form recently, set the tone on the night with a superbly curled strike past Mark Flekken before Ollie Watkins won and converted a penalty in the first half.
Villa’s relentless pressing and dominance in the Bee’s defensive third continued as Matty Cash volleyed home a Rogers cross in the 34th minute.
At the start of the second period, the hosts were oozing with confidence as they went in search of a fourth goal however, it never came, and Brentford began to apply pressure.
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So, when Mikkel Damsgaard fired home on the hour mark, the hosts had to weather a late Brentford storm, managing to keep their two-goal lead intact and win all three points.
Here’s how the players rated.
Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa crosses the ball under pressure from Sepp van den Berg of Brentford during the Premier League match between Aston Vil...
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images
Aston Villa player ratings vs Brentford
Emi Martinez – 6.5
Villa would have been pleased to see him start after suffering an injury against Chelsea. In truth, Martinez was rarely tested until he fished the ball out of his net.
Matty Cash – 7.5
The goal would have done Cash’s confidence a world of good, sending a well-taken volley past Mark Flekken, although he wasn’t the most convincing when attacks came his way.
Ezri Konsa – 7
It was a solid and dependable performance from Konsa, who rarely put a foot wrong next to Mings and was excellent with his passing out from the back.
Tyrone Mings – 8
Was a real rock at the back for Villa, replacing Pau Torres for his first Premier League start this season. He dominated Brentford’s attackers physically and aerially, showing what Emery has been missing.
Lucas Digne – 8
Brentford played into Digne’s hands throughout as the Frenchman was allowed to whip several teasing crosses into the box. He was perhaps unfortunate not to grab an assist for one of them.
Youri Tielemans – 7.5
Tielemans controlled the midfield alongside Kamara with supreme class. It was the Belgian’s brilliant passing through the lines and combination play that was crucial in dominating the middle of the park.
Boubacar Kamara – 9
Orchestrated the midfield brilliantly. The elegant turn under pressure and pass for the first goal was magnificent. The Frenchman has proven how important he is to Villa’s midfield with how he dictates the tempo.
Leon Bailey – 6.5
Leon Bailey showed shades of his former self tonight, driving forward with real purpose and supplying the inch-perfect through ball for Watkins before he was brought down. However, he was incredibly frustrating out of possession, rarely helping Cash defend.
Morgan Rogers – 9
Rogers beautifully curled effort set the tone for a fantastic Aston Villa performance. The 22-year-old looked like a different beast compared to previous weeks, oozing confidence with his powerful driving runs.
John McGinn – 6.5
Not his most influential display from an attacking sense, only making 25 touches during his time on the pitch but he was relentless with his pressing and work ethic as usual.
Ollie Watkins – 9
A perfect striker’s performance with a goal and an assist, teeing up Rogers for his stunning strike and converting a penalty, albeit with the help of the goalkeeper.
Substitutes
Jhon Duran – 8
Excellent when he came off the bench, bullying Brentford physically and linking play well. Will have been disappointed to see his strike get blocked by the goalkeeper.
Jaden Philogene – 6
Picked up the ball a few times in dangerous areas with the crowd urging him on to create something. Needs a goal or an assist to boost his confidence.
Ross Barkley – 6.5
Came on to do what was required; help solidify Villa’s midfield and shut down Brentford’s attacks.
Emi Buendia – N/A
Ian Maatsen – N/A
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