Looking to bounce back after a losing start to life as Brentford boss, Keith Andrews handed record signing Dango Ouattara his first start for the club, and with 13 minutes on the clock, the new recruit marked his debut with a goal.
A long ball from Caoimhin Kelleher was flicked on by Igor Thiago, allowing the former Bournemouth man to race through on goal, initially poking straight at Emiliano Martinez before getting a second bite of the cherry with a rebound finish.
No Premier League side had fewer than Villa’s three shots in their opening match, and once again, they were struggling in attack, with Ollie Watkins often isolated up top.
As a result, the visitors rarely threatened in the first half, coming closest through a low John McGinn drive that made its way through a crowd before being stopped by Kelleher’s outstretched boot.
At the other end, it appeared that the Bees would take a two-goal lead into the break, but a foul from Nathan Collins meant that Mikkel Damsgaard’s excellent volley was disallowed.
Hoping for a first PL clean sheet against Villa at the ninth attempt (W1, D3, L4), Brentford had Michael Kayode to thank for a sliding block to deny Morgan Rogers from close range shortly after the restart.
The visitors dominated possession as they searched for an equaliser, yet the Bees remained organised, limiting Unai Emery’s men to scraps.
Several Villa changes brought renewed energy, but ultimately, there was no way through a solid Brentford rearguard that held firm to see out three points.
Defeat marks the end of Villa’s unbeaten head-to-head streak (W4, D2), leaving Emery’s side with just one point from their opening two fixtures in what can only be described as a disappointing start to the campaign.
As for Brentford, a much-improved performance gets them off the mark under their new manager.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Michael Kayode (Brentford)
