Aston Villa defender Pau Torres, with Brentford insert.
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Sat 23 August 2025 17:07, UK Updated Sun 24 August 2025 7:11, UK
Aston Villa crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Brentford in their second Premier League game of the season, leaving The Gtech Community Stadium empty-handed on Saturday.
Dango Ouattara opened the scoring in the first half, and Mikel Damsgaard thought he had put the home side 2-0 up, but Brentford’s goal was disallowed for a foul on Emi Martinez.
The loss comes after Villa’s opening day draw against Newcastle United, where Unai Emery’s side held strong despite Ezri Konsa’s red card.
Fans had been baffled by Emery’s decision to leave Donyell Malen out of the starting XI, with John McGinn failing to impress yet again.
Pau Torres
Torres was poor against Brentford (Credit: Imago)
Pau Torres struggles vs Brentford
Pau Torres has struggled to recreate the form he showed upon his initial arrival from Villarreal in 2023, the defender having struggled with a big injury last season.
And the Spaniard was unimpressive against Brentford, often struggling against the pace and strength of the home side’s forward line.
Pau Torres against Brentford:
Won just three of his eight duels.
Was dispossessed once and dribbled past once.
A few players will not be looked upon kindly from a Villa perspective for Ouattara’s opener, but a large portion of the blame lies at Torres’ door.
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The defender was tracking the striker and had a head start when Caoimhin Kelleher’s long ball was flicked on.
But Ouattara seemed to catch the 28-year-old off guard, running through on goal and past the incoming challenge from Torres to score.
Youri tielemans
Tielemans was impressive against Brentford (Credit: Imago)
Youri Tielemans proves importance vs Brentford
Youri Tielemans’ importance to the Villa midfield has never been in question. The Belgian excelled last season, and Emery’s side struggled without him.
And against Brentford, the 28-year-old made it even more clear.
Youri Tielemans Vs Brentford (A)
Minutes played 90
Chances created 3
Duels won 3
Passes 73
Tielemans was integral to everything positive for Villa, picking up the ball in midfield and creating chances in one moment, before charging back to cut out an attack the next.
Given the injury to Boubacar Kamara, the midfielder’s fitness is even more important, with Villa boasting very little creativity without either at the base of the midfield.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Brentford
Emi Martinez – 5
Matty Cash – 6
Tyrone Mings – 6
Pau Torres – 3
Lucas Digne – 4
Boubacar Kamara – 5
Amadou Onana – 7
Morgan Rogers – 4
Youri Tielemans – 8
John McGinn – 5
Ollie Watkins – 5
Substitutes
Emi Buendia – 6
Ian Maatsen – 4
Donyell Malen – 5
Lamare Bogarde – 5
Evann Guessand – 5
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