John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings after Unai Emery's side draw with Brentford in the Premier League
Nicolas Jackson equalises for Aston Villa against Brentford
Nicolas Jackson equalised for Aston Villa against Brentford(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Aston Villa are still searching for their first home win of the season after drawing 2-2 with Brentford at Villa Park.
Brentford opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Yehor Yarmolyuk, who fired past Zion Suzuki from inside the box, before Nicolas Jackson levelled the game just moments later.
Emi Buendia’s long-range effort was deflected into Jackson’s path, allowing the Senegalese striker to beat Caoimhin Kelleher from an angle.
It was a stop-start first half, with Brentford committing 12 fouls compared to Villa’s four. However, Unai Emery’s side created the better chances, as Johan Manzambi saw two efforts blocked before Buendia blazed over from close range on the half-hour mark.
In the closing stages of the first half, McGinn was denied by an excellent save from Kelleher after the Ireland international turned Jackson’s shot towards the Villa skipper.
Matteo Ruggeri was forced off at half-time with an injury and replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who filled in at left-back.
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John McGinn put Villa ahead in the 77th minute, with his effort from inside the box taking a deflection on its way into the net. However, Brentford’s Kristoffer Ajer equalised shortly afterwards to restore parity.
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Player ratings
Zion Suzuki
There was very little Suzuki could do to stop Yarmolyuk from slamming home the opener in front of the Holte End. Villa’s goalkeeper made a strong save to thwart Kevin Schade at the start of the second half. 6
Matty Cash
Cash dealt with Schade well on the wing, managing to contain him for the most part. Booked for a late tackle on Mathias Jensen. 6
Victor Lindelof
Lindelof was steady in defence, completing 19 of the 21 passes he attempted in the first half. He read situations well and anticipated danger. 7
Tyrone Mings
Mings retained his place in the starting XI after an impressive performance against Tottenham before the international break. However, he struggled on the ball at times, contributing to Brentford’s opening goal. 5
Matteo Ruggeri
Ruggeri sent in a couple of searching crosses for Jackson but was forced off with an injury at half-time. Far from ideal. 6
Boubacar Kamara
Kamara won six duels and nearly grabbed a third goal for Villa when he drilled the ball towards the near post in the 88th minute. 6
Joao Gomes
Gomes played his first home game as a Villa player today. He covered ground very well, but is still building a partnership with Kamara as Villa look to gain better control of games. He played an excellent ball into Cash’s path in the 68th minute, allowing the right-back to deliver a cross. 6
John McGinn
McGinn thought he had won the game late on with his first league goal of the season, only for Brentford to equalise shortly afterwards. The skipper may have been feeling the effects of playing four times for Scotland during the international break. He was denied by Kelleher at the end of the first half and again late on. 7
Johan Manzambi
Manzambi made his first start at Villa Park this afternoon and provided another assist for McGinn’s goal. He showed glimpses of his talent inside the box with clever footwork and movement to create space. He was denied by Kelleher and a sliding tackle from a Brentford defender in the 31st minute. 7
Emi Buendia
Buendia was involved in Villa’s best moments in the first half but will have been frustrated not to keep his effort down after Manzambi’s shots were blocked. 6
Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Brentford
Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring his first home goal for Aston Villa(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)
Nicolas Jackson
Jackson scored his first home goal as a Villa player, and it was a neat finish, too. He had limited service but was effective when involved. 7
SUBS
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (for Ruggeri, HT'): He played at left-back after coming on as Ruggeri picked up an injury. Villa do not have a recognised left-back in their team as Ian Maatsen is out for a few more weeks. 6
Ibrahim Mbaye (for Buendia, 65'): Showed his pace in the 84th minute to make a chance for McGinn. 6
Ross Barkley (for Gomes, 86'): N/A
Alysson (for Manzambi, 86'): N/A
Subs not used: Bizot, Torres, Garnacho, Abraham, Bogarde.
GOALS
Aston Villa: Jackson (12'), McGinn (77')
Brentford: Yarmoliuk (10'), Ajer (79')