Aston Villa 2-2 Brentford: Bees hit back to stay unbeaten

Aston Villa are still waiting for a win at their three-sided Villa Park after Brentford fought back twice to draw 2-2 on 10 October.

The Premier League meeting finished level after a frantic first half and a wild final 15 minutes. Villa took the lead in the second half and could not hold it. The result keeps Brentford unbeaten in the league this season, according to The Guardian.

Brentford struck first. Jaidon Anthony pressed Tyrone Mings, won the ball and set up Yehor Yarmolyuk to score the opener.

Villa hit straight back. Just 88 seconds later, Nicolas Jackson equalised from inside the six-yard box — the small area right in front of goal — finishing unmarked to make it 1-1.

That was the half-time score, listed as 1-1 in the official match data, via Yahoo Sports. It could have been different. On the verge of half-time, Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher made a double save to deny Jackson and then John McGinn in quick succession.

Villa pushed after the break. McGinn finally put them ahead on 77 minutes after being set up by Johan Manzambi. His effort went in off the calf of Brentford defender Kristoffer Ajer.

The lead lasted two minutes. Ajer made amends at the other end, scoring Brentford's equaliser with a shot that deflected off Victor Lindelöf and beat Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.

There was still time for more chances. Suzuki pushed a Kevin Schade volley wide in the second half. Referee Craig Pawson then booked Ajer late on for questioning a decision.

For fans, this means frustration for Villa and another quiet statement from Brentford. Villa have now failed to win since the Villa Park revamp left three stands in play. Brentford boss Keith Andrews remains unbeaten against Unai Emery across four meetings.