Unai Emery looking sad with rainfall behind him.
(Credit: Hasan Karim)
Niall Togher
Sat 23 August 2025 20:05, UK
Aston Villa’s underwhelming start to the Premier League season continued as they were defeated 1-0 away against Brentford.
Following their draw with Newcastle at Villa Park in which they were the inferior side for the majority of the game, Unai Emery’s side failed to bounce back in the manner the travelling supporters would have hoped.
Dango Ouattara opened the scoring in the 12th minute for the visitors, and Brentford should’ve been 2-0 up according to Chris Sutton as the hosts had a goal ruled out by VAR.
Mikkel Damsgaard’s effort was chalked off after Nathan Collins was judged to have followed Emi Martinez in a decision that was explained by the Premier League Match Centre.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery shouting on the sideline.
Emery’s side have picked up one point in their first two games (Credit: Imago)
This article contains exclusive opinion from former FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
Keith Hackett in agreement with Chris Sutton
Hackett agreed that Martinez was fortunate to be bailed out by the referee, with Sutton insisting that Brentford should complain to the PGMOL regarding the incident.
The incident between Collins and Martinez was remarkably similar to the one we saw in another Premier League fixture last weekend, as Riccardo Calafiori’s goal was allowed to stand against Manchester United.
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Speaking on BBC’s Final Score, Sutton said: “Collins just leans into Martinez and knocks him a little bit, which stops him from coming out for the cross.
“The goal that Manchester United conceded to Arsenal last weekend was similar, and that stood. If I were Brentford, I would be pointing that out to the PGMOL.
Hackett agreed with the former striker’s statement, exclusively telling Villa News: “*Chris Sutton is spot on with his comment, which I fully support. PGMOL should be explaining the difference.*“
Read more: Aston Villa player ratings vs Brentford: Pau Torres stinks, 8/10 sensational
Emi Martinez waving in training gear.
Martinez was fortunate as he flapped at the ball into his penalty area (Credit: Imago)
Winnable game coming up against Crystal Palace
With Villa set to host Crystal Palace at Villa Park next weekend, this could be the perfect fixture for Emery’s side to get their season up and running.
Palace have just sold one of their best players in Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, and Villa could be playing them at the perfect time.
Villa have failed to score in their opening two Premier League games
The Villans had zero big chances against Brentford from their 17 total shots
Perhaps a deal for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson could be done before the game, adding some extra artillery to Emery’s forward line.
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