Player Ratings: Aston Villa 1-1 Brentford - A rough and rowdy draw at Villa Park

Emi Martinez: 6/10

A quiet game for the Argentinian, facing only two shots on target throughout the 90 minutes of play. Frustratingly left out to dry on Ivan Toney’s goal in the early stages of the first half.

Matty Cash: 6/10

Went forward with purpose, but was often caught out when it came to his defensive duties. Most notably, Cash was caught out of position when Brentford’s Rico Henry surged forward and should have given the visitors the lead before the end of the first half.

Ezri Konsa: 7/10

Was able to remain strong and composed throughout the duration of the game, with the likes of Ivan Toney proving to be a real handful at times. Konsa, once again lived up to expectations on the day, but Villa’s injury bug looks to have claimed another victim as the defender was brought off late in the second half.

Axel Tuanzebe: 7/10

With Tyrone Mings missing out through injury, Tuanzebe stepped in and was rather impressive throughout the duration of the game. Unfortunately, neither center-back could help keep another clean sheet on the day.

Matty Targett: 6/10

Coming back into the side after being left out against Newcastle last weekend, the left-back showed glimpses of last years form, but clearly still has steps to take to truly replicate said form. More game time should only benefit Targett going forward after enduring a disrupted pre-season due to injury.

Douglas Luiz: 7/10

Playing as the lone holding midfielder, Luiz was able to remain calm and composed throughout the match; something that was most definitely needed with how fragile Villa’s midfield has been at times when it comes to defensive duties so far this season.

Emi Buendia: 8/10

The tricky Argentinian was able to show glimpses of his trickery and class, but faded in and out of the games at times; something that needs to be rectified as the season progresses. Buendia’s work rate and commitment, however, were on full display as he was able to provide cover for Matty Cash at times. His brilliant goal should only add to his confidence as Villa head into a tricky run of fixtures after the international break.

Carney Chukwuemeka: 8/10

An encouraging effort from the 17-year-old, which will surely lead to more opportunities in the first team in the near future. Never afraid to take a man on or operate in tight spaces, Chukwuemeka’s bright performance has given something for Villa fans to look forward to going forward.

Ashley Young: 6/10

Sitting in a midfield three, the wily veteran was able to operate in a different role today as he provided support at both ends of the pitch in which limited the amount of opportunities Brentford had to overload the Villa midfield.

Anwar El Ghazi: 7/10

Arguably Villa’s biggest threat going forward during the entirety of the match, El Ghazi provided options down the wing and was able to cause Brentford’s Sergi Canos plenty of issues. A display that should only give the Dutchman more confidence going into the international break.

Danny Ings: 6/10

Failed to get on the score sheet today, but was able to turn provider on a number of occasions as he setup Emi Buendia’s lone goal for Villa. Chasing down loose balls and pressuring the Brentford back line on a number of occasions, Villa fans have to be excited with what Ings and Watkins could potentially provide as an attacking duo.

SUBSTITUTES:

Marvelous Nakamba: 6/10

Came on in the 63rd minute and was able to provide more defensive cover in the midfield.

Ollie Watkins: N/A

Kortney Hause: N/A

MAN OF THE MATCH: Emi Buendia

Was the clear standout player for Aston Villa on the day and while he faded out of stages of play from time to time, his commitment to operating at both ends of the pitch and willingness to get involved in physical game were the key factors that stood out most.