Brentford 2-1 Aston Villa
by Dom Smith at the Brentford Community Stadium

Brentford started 2022 as they mean to go on: with a win that sent Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa back home empty-handed.

Villa last won away at Brentford in 1953, and were the favourites to take all three points from the Brentford Community Stadium. But they could have done with star striker Ollie Watkins here — formerly of Brentford, of course. His absence was felt as the visitors struggled to make the most of a number of presentable chances. Brentford came from behind to end an unwanted three-match losing streak.

Aston Villa started much the sharper outfit, almost striking first when a Danny Ings effort required a Mads Bech Sorensen block to keep it out. Ings had been slipped through cutely by the club’s record signing, Emi Buendia. It was very much a sign of things to come. The next time those two linked up, it worked to devastating effect.