Brentford vs Aston Villa: Player ratings, analysis and reaction as Roerslev and Wissa snatch three points

Brentford 2-1 Aston Villa (Ings ’16, Wissa ’42, Roerslev ’83)

Mads Roerslev’s late strike saw Brentford come from behind to beat Aston Villa after a second-half fight back.

A moment of brilliance from Emiliano Buendia and Danny Ings had put the visitors in control, the striker scoring just his fourth goal since his summer arrival from Southampton thanks to the Argentine’s clever turn to beat Christian Norgaard.

That was just reward for Villa’s dominance, but Yoane Wissa’s equalised shortly before the break with a spectacular effort from the edge of the box, taking a deft touch onto his left foot and finishing – Brentford’s first goal from outside the area in the Premier League, in fact.

It was Roerslev – playing as a wing-back – who proved the difference, however, as he raced into the box and forced Emiliano Martinez into a block before scoring on the rebound.

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Villa had Steven Gerrard back in the dugout with the manager having ended his isolation period after testing positive for Covid-19. There was still a notable absentee, though, in Tyrone Mings, with the defence lacking his organisation.

Brentford were arguably fortunate to still be in it by the time of Wissa’s equaliser, but Gerrard will be alarmed by how easily his side were exposed down the flanks in the run-up to both goals.

Villa slip down to 13th in the Premier League table, with Brentford moving up to 12th.

Aston Villa ratings

Martinez – 7 Had little to do in the first half but made a decent save in the build-up to Brentford’s winner. Also made a subtle touch to deny Frank Onyeka.

Cash – 6 Given a tough time by Sergi Canos before his substitution

Konsa – 7 Did well to keep Toney and Wissa at bay for large spells in the first half

Hause – 5 Could have landed Martinez in trouble with a back pass that summed up Villa’s afternoon. Questionable positioning throughout.

Targett – 5 Consistently beaten on the wing and left Martinez exposed, before being dragged wide for the second goal.

McGinn – 7 Unable to influence the result but was one of Villa’s more imaginative threats.

Luiz – 6 Struggled with his positioning but competent enough in midfield.

Ramsey – 6 Did well to disarm Ivan Toney on a couple of occasions.

Traore – 5 A few impressive moments with his link-up play but didn’t create enough and some terribly misplaced passes.

Ings – 8 A clever touch and finish in the bottom corner for the goal and could have had another late on .

Buendia – 8 A moment of magic for the assist, creating the space and executing the through ball to perfection. What looked like a dislocated arm will be a big worry.

Substitutes:

Sanson – 5 Did little to change the game after his introduction. Still struggling.

Trezeguet – 4 A ludicrous attempt at simulation inside the box his only notable contribution.

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Brentford ratings

• Fernandez – 7
• Pinnock – 6
• Jansson – 6
• Sorensen – 6
• Roerslev – 8
• Onyeka – 6
• Norgaard – 5
• Jensen – 7
• Canos – 7
• Wissa – 8
• Toney – 6

Substitutes:

• Ghoddos – 4
• Baptiste – 6
• Janelt – 6

from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3mP6qDq