Watkins scored on his Brentford return after an uneventful first 45 minutes
The win takes Villa just a point off Manchester City who sit fourth in the table
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By WILL CASTLE
Published: 14:24 EST, 8 March 2025 | Updated: 14:26 EST, 8 March 2025
Ollie Watkins came back to haunt his former club as his goal proved the difference in Aston Villa's 1-0 win at Brentford.
There were only half-chances to speak of during the first half, with a lack of quality in the final third keeping it goalless going into the break.
But it all kicked up a gear after the restart, with former Bees star Watkins firing Villa in front on 49 minutes.
Unai Emery's side then had the ball in the net again moments later, with Watkins turning provider to set up Morgan Rodgers - only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for offside.
Brentford turned up the intensity as full-time approached as they searched for an equaliser, but Villa dug deep to ride out the storm and seal a potentially pivotal three points in their push for Champions League football.
There was a lack of quality in the final third as both teams went into the break without a goal
Ollie Watkins scored four minutes after the restart on his return to the West London club
Brentford 0-1 Aston Villa: MATCH FACTS
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Ajer (Kim 90+3'), Collins (90+6'), Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt (Jensen 75'); Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa
Subs not used: Valdimarsson, Mee, Yarmolyuk, Konak, Maghoma, Morgan, Fredrick
Booked: Ajer 67'
Manager: Thomas Frank
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Olsen; Disasi, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn (Kamara 61'), Tielemans; Bailey (Cash 46'), Rogers (Malen 90+4'), Ramsey (Rashford 68'); Watkins
Subs not used: Zych, Torres, Garcia, Maatsen, Bogarde
Booked: McGinn 42', Cash 81'
Goals: Watkins 49'
Manager: Unai Emery