Aston Villa were denied a much-needed Premier League victory as Kristoffer Ajer's late equaliser earned Brentford a 2-2 draw at Villa Park.
John McGinn appeared to have completed Villa's comeback after Nicolas Jackson cancelled out Yehor Yarmoliuk's opener, but Brentford responded to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.
Brentford strike early as Jackson responds
Brentford started aggressively, pressing Aston Villa high up the pitch and forcing mistakes from Unai Emery's side.
Their approach paid off when Tyrone Mings surrendered possession in a dangerous position, allowing Yarmoliuk to fire past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
However, Villa responded just 88 seconds later.
Emi Buendia's deflected effort fell kindly for Jackson, who converted from close range to restore parity.
The hosts subsequently grew into the contest, with Buendia, McGinn and Johan Manzambi all threatening before half-time.
Manzambi, making his first home start, was among Villa's more involved attacking players as Emery's side searched for a second goal.
Ajer rescues Brentford's unbeaten record
Villa eventually moved ahead in the 77th minute when McGinn's deflected strike found the net.
The goal looked set to secure only their second Premier League victory of the campaign.
However, Brentford produced another immediate response.
Ajer made an unexpected run forward through the left channel before forcing the ball home to silence Villa Park.
Keith Andrews' side held on to secure a point and extend their unbeaten league start to six matches.
The result keeps Brentford fourth in the Premier League, underlining their impressive opening to the campaign.
For Aston Villa, the draw represents another frustrating afternoon.
Despite showing resilience to overturn an early deficit, Emery's side have now managed just one victory from their opening six league fixtures.
Key Points
- Aston Villa and Brentford drew 2-2 at Villa Park.
- Yehor Yarmoliuk opened the scoring before Nicolas Jackson equalised just 88 seconds later.
- John McGinn put Villa ahead in the 77th minute.
- Kristoffer Ajer rescued a point with a late equaliser.
- Brentford remain unbeaten after six Premier League matches and sit fourth, while Villa have won just once.
What's Next?
Brentford will aim to maintain their unbeaten run and consolidate their position near the top of the Premier League. Aston Villa, meanwhile, must improve their results after collecting only one victory from their opening six matches.
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