End of a gloomy month and a half: Aston Villa snap an eight-match winless streak

Unai Emery was going through the worst run of form since he arrived at Aston Villa, more than two years ago. Chelsea, Juventus, Liverpool, Tottenham… a hectic schedule that gave him a break with Brentford at home. And they were the ones who paid the price. A 3-1 that was decided in the first half, in just thirteen minutes, between the 21st and 34th minutes. A victory to breathe.

First, it was Rogers, with a great goal. Before that, Kamara’s ability to get the ball out of play under pressure from several opponents was key. A soothing move after having messed up for the same reason minutes before. The ball reached Rogers on the edge of the box and he placed it in the top corner. Seven minutes later, Pinnock gave Watkins a penalty and Watkins himself scored. Six minutes later, Rogers crossed to Watkins, Pinnock headed it in and Cash scored at the far post.

Thirteen minutes, four players, and a 3-0 scoreline that seemed insurmountable. Just in case, Watkins kept trying to extend the lead. Damsgaard pulled one back after a highly contested move in the area, but it was a mirage. Villa kept attacking and both Watkins and Durán came close to scoring. It stayed there. A 3-1 that gave the team a breather and allowed Emery to put an end to a month and a half of terror.