Aston Villa’s difficult start to the Premier League season continued as Dango Ouattara’s debut strike condemned them to a 1–0 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium. Emery’s side have now failed to score in two games, with their possession dominance once again undermined by a lack of cutting edge.
Villa enjoyed 77% possession, 17 shots, and nine corners against Brentford, but could not find a breakthrough. VAR also intervened to deny Mikkel Damsgaard a second for the hosts, leaving Villa frustrated despite territorial control.
Emery cut a frustrated figure post-match, pointing to lapses in intensity early on and demanding more structure from his players going forward.
Unai Emery’s Post-Match Reaction
“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.” — Unai Emery
Emery acknowledged Villa’s attacking struggles:
“To lose here is hard for us. In my expectation, if we weren’t performing, being clinical, or getting corners, crosses, chances, we could lose. The message before was to keep a clean sheet, then to win the match.” — Unai Emery
And on Villa’s slow start:
“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.” — Unai Emery
Brentford vs Aston Villa — Match Stats Snapshot
| Stat | Brentford | Aston Villa |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 23% | 77% |
| xG | 1.27 | 1.23 |
| Total Shots | 9 | 17 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 2 |
| Corners | 2 | 9 |
| Tackles | 27 | 14 |
source: sofascore match data – 23 august 2025
The numbers told the story: Villa dominated possession and chances but lacked a finishing touch, while Brentford’s defensive resilience and early goal proved decisive.
Analyst Verdict — FootballPlace View
By FootballPlace analyst John William
Villa’s issues are less about control and more about execution. Despite enjoying nearly 80% possession, Emery’s men produced just two shots on target. Their approach play was sterile, with few incisive runs beyond Brentford’s compact shape.
From reviewing Villa’s first two fixtures, there’s a clear trend: the side looks structured in midfield but blunt in the final third. Unless Emery finds a way to unlock creativity — or adds reinforcements before the window closes — Villa risk another sluggish opening month derailing their campaign.
Key Insights
- Villa lose 1–0 at Brentford despite 77% possession and 17 shots
- Emery admits side “competed bad” and lacked intensity in key moments
- Ouattara scored on debut to hand Brentford victory
- Villa remain goalless after two Premier League games
- Emery calls for structure, intensity, and a reset in coming weeks
What’s Next
Aston Villa return to Villa Park to face Crystal Palace, desperate to end their goal drought and secure their first points of the season. Emery has vowed to “clarify circumstances” around the squad this week, hinting at possible changes or reinforcements.
Brentford will play Bournemouth, buoyed by Ouattara’s instant impact and Keith Andrews’ first win as Bees boss.
Do you think Emery can fix Villa’s goal-scoring problems quickly — or are deeper changes needed before they find their rhythm?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 23 Aug 2025 17:53
They where clearly lacking but it was hard to breakthrough that defense, sometimes Brentford had a backline of 7 defenders... But why didnt he start with Malen, I dont get it why you would put a CM on the wings...
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