Aston Villa has finally ended their poor run following European fixtures with an impressive victory at Brentford, taking them within just a point of Manchester City in the Premier League standings.

With the title race almost wrapped up and the relegation battle looking settled, the competition for European spots has heated up, and Villa has shown they’re ready to be part of that fight.

A Familiar Face Delivers the Winner

Ollie Watkins, who spent time at Brentford before moving to Villa, was the match-winner.

He scored the only goal of the game in the 49th minute, continuing his strong record against the Bees, with six goals in six games since his move to Birmingham.

His strike, slightly deflected off Nathan Collins, beat goalkeeper Mark Flecken and gave Villa the lead.

Watkins had an eventful second half, also setting up Morgan Rogers for what would have been a second goal, but the strike was ruled out by VAR for an offside in the build-up.

Changes and Tactical Shifts

Unai Emery made a few changes from Villa’s recent Champions League win in Brugge.

With Emi Martinez sidelined due to injury, Robin Olsen stepped in for his first Premier League start of the season.

Another change saw Jacob Ramsey take over from Marcus Rashford in midfield.

At the break, Emery swapped Leon Bailey for Matty Cash, aiming to provide more defensive cover against Brentford’s Keane Lewis-Potter.

On the other side, Brentford manager Thomas Frank made just one change, bringing Christian Norgaard back into the lineup after he recovered from a concussion.

A Goalless First Half Full of Chances

Despite the action, the first half ended without a goal, which was somewhat surprising given the history of high-scoring games at Brentford’s home ground this season.

Villa had their chances, with Youri Tielemans’ brilliant delivery from a free kick finding Tyrone Mings, but his header was straight into the hands of Flecken.

Brentford also had their moments, but Olsen was fortunate not to be penalized for handling a backpass from Axel Disasi.

Brentford Fights Back, But Villa Holds Firm

The second half saw Brentford try to respond aggressively after Villa’s opener.

The Bees launched wave after wave of attacks, with Axel Disasi blocking a crucial shot and Lewis-Potter’s effort hitting the post.

Villa was on the back foot for much of this period, but Olsen pulled off some key saves to preserve their lead.

There were also moments of controversy, with Brentford appealing for penalties after a couple of challenges in the box, but VAR ruled in Villa’s favor each time.

Villa had the chance to seal the game when Rogers found Watkins again, but the striker’s chipped shot was too tame and went straight into Flecken’s hands.

Despite this missed opportunity, Villa managed to hold on for their third consecutive win.

A Confidence Boost Ahead of European Clash

The victory at Brentford not only secured three important points for Villa but also kept their hopes of European football alive.

They’ll need to carry this momentum into their Champions League return leg against Club Brugge on Wednesday, where they aim to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

For Brentford, their form at home has dipped significantly, and they’re now winless in their last seven matches at the Gtech Community Stadium, a worrying trend if they want to remain in the race for European spots.

Villa’s Victory in Numbers

Final Score: Brentford 0-1 Aston Villa
Goals: Watkins 49′
Villa’s Starting XI: Olsen; Disasi, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn (Kamara 61′), Tielemans; Bailey (Cash 46′), Rogers (Malen 90+4′), Ramsey (Rashford 68′); Watkins
Brentford’s Starting XI: Flekken; Ajer (Kim 90+3′), Collins (90+6′), Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt (Jensen 75′); Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa
Booked: McGinn (42′), Cash (81′)