Aston Villa has reconnected with a victory in the Premier League, a sole Watkins goal enough to secure the win at Brentford. Aston Villa remains seventh in the standings and can move up to sixth next week with a win against Brighton.
No Emiliano Martinez in goal, but Swedish GK Robin Olsen. Marco Asensio was also absent from Emery's selection, with both reportedly suffering from minor ailments and still uncertain for the return match against Club at Villa Park next Wednesday.
The first half was difficult without major chances. Villa threatened with Mings and Tielemans, but they couldn't put enough power behind their attempts. On the other side, Lewis-Potter shot from distance, but Olsen had no problems with the Englishman's attempt.
The second half started well for the men from Birmingham. The visitors quickly broke out, and through Tielemans and Rashford, the ball reached Watkins. He had options in front of goal but took his chance himself and scored the 0-1.
This was the signal for Villa to push forward. Two minutes later, Watkins was sent deep again. This time he laid the ball aside, and Rogers could score the 0-2. However, the VAR called Watkins back for offside.
Twenty minutes before the end, Brentford could be dangerous again. Once more, Lewis-Potter had an idea on the edge of the box, but the post stood in the way.
Five minutes before the end, Watkins could have decided the match, but he failed face-to-face with Flekken. Brentford could still threaten, but they didn't get any real chances. Thus, Aston Villa wins in London with 0-1 thanks to Watkins (ex-Brentford) and remains seventh, still in the running for European places in the standings. Brentford remains in 12th place.
Brentford: Flekken, Ajer (Ji-Soo 93'), Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter, Nørgaard, Janelt (Jensen 75'), Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade, Wissa.
Subs: Valdimarsson, Mee, Yarmoliuk, Konak, Maghoma, Morgan, Fredrick.
Aston Villa: Olsen, Disasi, Konsa, Mings, Digne, McGinn (Kamara 61'), Tielemans, Bailey (Cash 45'), Rogers (Malen 94'), Ramsey (Rashford 68'), Watkins.
Subs: Zych, Torres, García, Maatsen, Bogarde.
Goal: 49' Watkins