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Ollie Watkins once again proved to be Brentford’s nemesis as his goal secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Aston Villa in west London on Saturday, keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
The England striker has now found the net six times in his last six outings against his former club, though he was aided this time by a costly mistake from Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
The win lifts Villa to seventh in the Premier League, just two points adrift of the top four, capping off a stellar week for Unai Emery’s side. Having reached the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend, Villa further strengthened their European ambitions with a commanding 3-1 victory at Club Brugge in their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday.
Emery is determined to maintain the momentum, insisting his squad must push themselves to the limit for the remainder of the campaign.
Emery was forced to make two changes from the midweek win, with first-choice goalkeeper Emi Martínez sidelined through injury, while Marcus Rashford dropped to the bench.
Villa’s recent league form had been concerning, with just one win in their previous seven outings, putting their Champions League qualification hopes in jeopardy. However, they ground out a vital three points, with Brentford’s attacking duo Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa struggling to make an impact.
After a cagey first half, the deadlock was finally broken four minutes into the second period. Watkins unleashed a powerful low drive that Flekken failed to keep out, allowing the ball to squirm through his grasp and into the net.
Villa thought they had doubled their lead shortly after when Watkins set up Morgan Rogers, who slotted home. However, a VAR check ruled the goal out for offside, offering Brentford a lifeline.
The hosts pressed for an equaliser in the final half-hour, with Keane Lewis-Potter coming closest as his long-range effort struck the post.
Villa had a chance to put the game beyond doubt late on when Watkins broke free, but his attempted chip over Flekken went horribly wrong, keeping the contest alive until the final whistle.
A first away league victory in nearly two months propels Villa back into serious contention for a top-four finish. With English clubs performing strongly in Europe this season, a fifth-place finish is likely to be enough to secure Champions League football.
Villa are now just one point behind fifth place, with only five points separating fourth-placed Manchester City from 10th-placed Fulham in an increasingly tight battle for European qualification.
