Match Review: Brentford vs Aston Villa

Slow. Lethargic. Rubbish. Those words sum up Aston Villa's performance as they were beaten 1-0 against Brentford. It was a game Villa dominated with the ball, but lacked any cutting edge. Dango Ouattara recorded a debut goal in the 12th minute after a simple long ball flicked on by Thiago through the Villa centre-backs leaving the new signing 1 on 1 with Emiliano Martinez.

The Bees had a goal chalked off just before half-time for a foul on Martinez. From then on Brentford continued to defend deep in a back five with no other significant opportunities. The Villans clearly lacked pace and width, like they did in their opening match against Newcastle. No clear chances were created and Villa never looked like scoring. It was a game that Unai Emery perhaps got tactically wrong, but nonetheless the players did not step up and perform.

Changes Needed

Villa lined up with Pau Torres playing alongside Tyrone Mings due to Ezri Konsa's suspension. Boubacar Kamara was injured in the 16th minute which led to Emiliano Buendia coming on to play in the No 10. Youri Tielemans dropped into the double pivot with Amadou Onana. It was quite a surprising substitution considering Donyell Malen could have come on bringing the much needed pace Villa didn't have. Overall the performance was flat and with Villa facing Crystal Palace next week, the starting XI needs to change.

Ian Maatsen and Donyell Malen should come in as both have shown bright sparks and both can inject width and pace. The lack of service for Ollie Watkins has been frightening and a tactical tweak may be needed for the Palace game.

What has been clear is that the dismay regarding the financial rules, around the club and among supporters has perhaps transferred into the first two matches. Throughout the transfer window numerous reports have highlighted Villa's inability to spend due to the financial constraints placed on them. The club themselves have voiced their concerns recently and in the past about the unfairness of the rules. Whilst there should be no excuses for Villa's performance, maybe it has played a part in why they have been so flat.

Emery's Comments

After the game Emery assessed Villa's performance and the need to recruit new players in the final week of the transfer window.

"Of course, last year we needed time to get our structure. This year we started with circumstances not like we want but we have to accept it. Today we competed bad. It was not enough and we conceded some minutes on the field that we have to try and avoid."

"The first 20 minutes, we weren't really performing and playing with the intensity we needed and conceding one goal is more difficult. After it, we reacted, and we were dominating. We were creating some chances, corners offensively."

"We have to move on and continue working, trying to change some circumstances that we have, or try to clarify this week with some circumstances we have, and then build the team and try to get ourselves strong again like we did the last the last three years."

"We have to improve things. We have to clarify some circumstances we have in the transfer window. We have enough players, but we need to clarify some circumstances with some players staying or not and the possibility we can have to add someone to help us."

It's clear that Villa are going to be active in the final week of the window, with Emery suggesting there are positions Villa need to improve on.

Looking Ahead

It could be a big week for Villa with new signings expected, but deals will be difficult due to finances. A new signing could provide the fans and players a much needed boost for their next match against Crystal Palace on Sunday. An improved showing with more attacking impetus and energy is needed as Villa look to get their first win of the season.