An 87th-minute goal from Douglas Luiz secured a point for Aston Villa as they came from behind to draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. The result extends Brentford’s winless streak to six matches and marks their first failure to win a home head-to-head this century.
The match began with excitement as both goalkeepers made crucial saves within the first five minutes. Emiliano Buendía’s audacious shot for Villa was tipped away by David Raya, while Bryan Mbeumo’s volley was collected by Emiliano Martínez at the other end. However, the first half saw limited goalmouth action, with Martínez making a fine save to deny Ivan Toney’s best chance.
Martínez was replaced by Robin Olsen at halftime due to illness. Olsen struggled initially, mishandling Kevin Schade’s header and allowing the German an open goal, but Schade lost his balance and fired wide. Villa’s performance worsened after the break, and they were punished by Toney’s goal from a Mbeumo cross.
Despite Brentford’s comfort, late pressure from Villa led to an equalizer.
FULL-TIME Brentford 1-1 Aston Villa
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 22, 2023
Ivan Toney’s 19th #PL goal of the season is cancelled out by Douglas Luiz’s 88th-minute equaliser#BREAVL pic.twitter.com/Cit5wkTKgG
Buendía showed composure in a chaotic 18-yard box, setting up Luiz for a tap-in. The draw keeps Villa in the top six but ends their five-match winning streak.
Man of the Match: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)
Photo credit: Kieran Cleeves/PA/theguardian.com
