Keith Andrews's new-look Brentford bounced back from their Premier League opening day defeat by beating Aston Villa 1-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Debutant Dango Ouattara, who joined the Bees from Bournemouth for a club-record £42.5m just one week ago, made the perfect start to his career with the Londoners when he raced through the Villa backline to open the scoring with 12 minutes on the clock.
The hosts thought that they had doubled their lead moments before the interval though Mikkel Damsgaard, but his volley was ruled out due to contact between Nathan Collins and the goalkeeper, a decision that is sure to raise more than a few eyebrows after Arsenal's winner against Manchester United was allowed to stand.
Intriguingly, Andrews's side had only 21% possession in the first half, but they were clearly the more dangerous team, managing to produce eight shots, two big chances and 1.12 expected goals across the 45.
In the second period, Unai Emery made adjustments to his setup, moving Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia into more central zones behind Ollie Watkins, a tweak that had Brentford trapped in their own half.
In the final few minutes, the Bees substituted centre-back Kristoffer Ajer and full-back Rico Henry on for Ouattara and Michael Kayode to seal the deal, and the additional defensive cover helped them to earn what could be a vital victory.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery gives instructions on August 23, 2025
Brentford are heading into a long campaign having made vast changes over the summer, with Thomas Frank being replaced by Andrews, and forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa no longer there to drag the Bees to the victory.
With that in mind, alarm bells were ringing when the Londoners were beaten 3-1 by Nottingham Forest on matchday one, but three points this weekend could inspire them to another stable season.
As for Villa, Unai Emery's men were uncharacteristically toothless against Newcastle United last time out, when they generated only three shots - their fewest in a Premier League clash since May 2024.
That bluntness continued this weekend, as despite dominating possession, they failed to create any major chances in the first half and were unable to find a breakthrough in a second half that they were in complete control of.
BRENTFORD VS. ASTON VILLA HIGHLIGHTS
12th min: Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa (Dango Ouattara)
Dango Ouattara of Brentford scores to make it 1-0 on August 23, 2025
Caoimhin Kelleher plays a long pass forward that is flicked on between Villa centre-backs Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres near the halfway line, and Ouattara pounces, poking the ball through the backline before carrying it into the box, and though his initial shot is saved by Emiliano Martinez, he makes no mistake with the rebound.
A debut goal for the big-money signing!
16th min: Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa) injured
Boubacar Kamara of Aston Villa warming up on August 23, 2025
The highly-rated French midfielder is known as an injury-prone player, and he was in some discomfort when he was substituted off for Buendia.
43rd min: Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford) goal ruled out
Mikkel Damsgaard of Brentford celebrates scoring but has his goal later ruled out by VAR on August 23, 2025
Sepp van den Berg flicks on a long throw into the box, where Martinez flails at the ball, causing it to fall to Damsgaard, who volleys home from near the penalty spot.
However, the goal is controversially ruled out as the officials feel that the goalkeeper was fouled by Collins when he tried to collect the ball.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MICHAEL KAYODE
Michael Kayode of Brentford competes for the ball on August 23, 2025
In what was a demanding match for the Brentford backline, right-back Michael Kayode was a defensive standout on Saturday afternoon.
The Italy international made five tackles, blocked three shots and won five of his seven ground duels, as well as maintaining a 100% pass accuracy under intense pressure.
BRENTOFORD VS. ASTON VILLA MATCH STATS
Possession: Brentford 24%-76% Aston Villa
Shots: Brentford 9-17 Aston Villa
Shots on target: Brentford 2-2 Aston Villa
Corners: Brentford 2-9 Aston Villa
Fouls: Brentford 11-9 Aston Villa
BEST STATS
FT: Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa
Dango Ouattara wins the game on his Brentford debut to give Keith Andrews his first victory in charge of the Bees. ?#BREAVL pic.twitter.com/25kebutp9y
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) August 23, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Up next for Brentford is a trip to face Bournemouth in the EFL Cup on Tuesday before taking on promoted Sunderland at the Stadium of Light next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Villa will welcome Crystal Palace to Villa Park for a Premier League clash next Sunday.
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