Emiliano Buendia opened his account for Aston Villa and earned a draw against a stubborn Brentford side.
Aston Villa and Brentford met for the first time as Premier League opponents rather than their usual duels in the Championships. However, it was an evening when two stars from the Championship were the stars of the show at Villa Park.
Emiliano Buendia and Brentford’s Ivan Toney scored their first Premier League goals as both clubs contested a fierce and competitive draw at Villa Park. The home side were the firm favourites heading into the clash, although the Bees were neck-in-neck with their hosts.
Both goals of the game came before the 15-minute mark. Toney broke the deadlock as early as the 7th minute, while Buendia responded with an equaliser around the 13th-minute mark. After that, both teams created plenty of opportunities, although none were converted.
Former Brentford star Ollie Watkins had a good opportunity in injury time to get a winner but headed the ball over the bar. Both teams will be happy with a point, given the game’s competitive atmosphere, as Brentford remain unbeaten since coming into the Premier League.
Here’s how Aston Villa players rated during their 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Emiliano Martinez – 6/10
Nothing significant to do all day, barring a few saves. However, Martinez did concede a goal from Toney, for which he can’t be blamed. Handled his area well and was assured in everything he did.
Matty Cash – 6.5/10
Cash got into a scrappy contest on his side of the pitch as things got rough with tackles flying in. The full-back was up to the task and kept his composure throughout the match.
Ezri Konsa – 6/10
Villa’s stand-in captain for the afternoon in the absence of Tyrone Mings. Kept things in order at the back and marshalled his defensive teammates well. In the end, Konsa limped off the pitch with a knock.
Axel Tuanzebe – 5/10
Tuanzebe was called up in the absence of regular starter and captain Mings. Overall had a decent game, but Toney got the better of him during the many duels they contested.
Matt Targett – 6/10
Targett was a decent presence at the back and seems to have learned after a tough evening on opening weekend when Ismaila Sarr got the better of him. However, against Brentford, he was assured in the face of whatever was thrown at him.
Ashley Young – 4.5/10
It’s still unclear which position Dean Smith prefers for Ashley Young. In his three games so far for the club, the versatile star has played in three different positions. Mostly ineffective in creating chances for teammates.
Douglas Luiz – 6/10
The Brazilian was tasked with sweeping things up in the centre and did a fine job. However, he could consider himself lucky for the referee disregarded many off-the-ball incidents Luiz got himself into with Toney.
Carney Chukwuemeka – 6.5/10
An impressive performance from Chukwuemeka, as it never felt like a debut performance. The academy product was very comfortable on the ball and tried to get things going in front of him.
Emiliano Buendia – 7/10
Aston Villa signed Buendia with heavy expectations. The club’s newest No.10 had to show the fans what he could do on the pitch, and he did just that. He scored a brilliant goal to equalise and remained a lively presence in attack for the home side.
Danny Ings – 6/10
Last matchday’s brilliant bicycle finish was overshadowed by a miss from six yards. However, Ings showed his capabilities by running down the channels selflessly and creating space for fellow attackers. Should strike up a decent partnership with Ollie Watkins whenever he is ready to start games.
Anwar El Ghazi – 6/10
El Ghazi was an active presence from the left side and kept the Brentford backline on their toes. He thoroughly justified Smith’s faith in him as he started his fourth game of the season so far.
Substitutes
Marvelous Nakamba – 5/10
Nakamba came on and did a decent job in controlling the midfield, although nothing noteworthy.
Ollie Watkins – 5/10
Watkins entered the pitch to face his former side and could have got a late winner, although he blazed his header over.
Kortney Hause – 5/10
Replaced Konsa after the stand-in captain limped off. Did a decent job but escaped punishment on a late challenge inside the box, which could have resulted in a Brentford penalty.
