Having lost four of their last five matches ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash, Thomas Frank’s Brentford welcomed Aston Villa to the Gtech Community Stadium. Unai Emery’s men had been forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Zrinjski Mostar in midweek, and would be looking to return to their high-flying ways with a win in the capital city.
BRE: Flekken; Mee, Pinnock, Jørgensen; Ghoddos, Janelt, Nørgaard, Damsgaard, Roerslev; Wissa, Lewis-Potter
AVL: Martínez; Torres, Carlos, Konsa; Moreno, Ramsey, Tamara, McGinn, Cash; Watkins, Diaby
Having recorded just one win since November 4, Brentford looked set to return to winning ways when Keane Lewis-Potter opened the scoring just before the break after being afforded space in the penalty area to rifle through a gang of bodies.
But when Ben Mee was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Leon Bailey in the 71st minute, the dynamics of the match changed. The Jamaican international went on to deliver a pinpoint cross into the box that was slammed home by Alex Moreno at the back post.
Embed from Getty ImagesUnai Emery’s side weren’t done there, as Ollie Watkins would register a headed goal of his own with five minutes of regulation time remaining. Linking up nicely with Boubacar Kamara, the forward put his side’s lead beyond doubt.
Brentford’s next match sees them take on Wolves on December 27, with kickoff scheduled for 19:30. As for Aston Villa, they’ll host Sheffield United at 20:00 on Friday before travelling to Old Trafford on Boxing Day for another 8pm kickoff slot.
