Brentford 1 – 0 Aston Villa: Maupay’s Late Show Hands Bees Victory Against Former Boss

Neal Maupay’s stoppage time winner secured Brentford a fifth straight home win under the Griffin Park lights against Aston illa

Brentford had much the better of the game which saw Villa manager Dean Smith return to his former club for the first time.

The Bees missed a number of chances in both halves but Maupay’s finish from the edge of the box a minute into injury time sent the home fans wild.

The visitors, who lose more ground on the play-offs, were dangerous on the break and went close through Conor Hourihane but Smith was left disappointed with his teams performance.

Brentford started on the front foot with Sergi Canos, playing in an unfamiliar right back role testing Villa goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic.

The home side dominated the opening 20 minutes but a succession of corners was the best they could come up with.

It took 28 minutes for Villa to have a meaningful attack with Daniel Bentley saving to his right from Anwar El Ghazi.

Benrahma had the best chance of the first half as Villa failed to clear a cross. The Bees man was left unmarked 15 yards out but fired wide.

A surprising team selection for Villa was the inclusion of Albert Adomah instead of Jonathan Kodjia and Adomah missed a great chance to score right on half time when one-on-one with Bentley.

Given the goalscoring records of these two clubs this season, a goalless first half was a surprise.

Maupay had the first opportunity in the second half with an uncharacteristic miss from six yards out.

The home side then had three shots on goal in a minute with the best of them coming from Watkins. A low effort well saved by Kalinic.

Aston Villa looked dangerous on the break and a flowing move resulted in a great chance for Hourihane but the Villa midfielder was denied by Bentley.

Benrahma again caused the Villa defence problems when a mazy run ended with a shot that went wide.

Just as Brentford supporters were faced with a frustrating draw, Maupay drove home from just outside the penalty area to secure a vital victory.

The win means Brentford are now just four points behind their opponents who drop to 10th.

Featured image- Rob Sutton