Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Brentford 1-0 Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, 23 August 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Brentford secured a surprising 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at home, a result that halted their recent run of inconsistent form. The Bees had previously suffered a loss and a draw in their last two away games, but managed to capitalise on an early goal by Dango Ouattara in the 12th minute. This win was particularly unexpected given Aston Villa's dominant possession throughout the match. The result not only ended Brentford's mini-slump but also highlighted their resilience and ability to grind out results against stronger opponents.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance despite controlling the game's tempo. The Villans had a draw in their previous match and were expected to build on that momentum, but they failed to convert their possession into goals. The early goal conceded seemed to unsettle them, and despite making several substitutions, they couldn't find the equaliser. This loss is a setback for Aston Villa, who will need to regroup quickly to avoid slipping further in the league standings.

The statistics from the match paint an interesting picture, with Aston Villa dominating possession at 76% compared to Brentford's 24%. Despite this, Brentford managed to secure the win, showcasing their efficiency in front of goal. Aston Villa's nine corners to Brentford's two further highlight their control of the game, yet they were unable to capitalise on these set-piece opportunities. The significant disparity in possession and corners makes Brentford's victory even more impressive, as they managed to defend stoutly and counter-attack effectively.

The key moment of the match came early when Dango Ouattara scored for Brentford in the 12th minute, setting the tone for the rest of the game. This goal proved to be the decisive factor, as Aston Villa struggled to find a way back into the match despite their dominance in possession. A VAR check on Mikkel Damsgaard in the 44th minute added tension but ultimately did not change the scoreline.

Substitutions played a significant role in the latter stages of the game, with Brentford making five changes and Aston Villa matching that number. Brentford's substitutions seemed to help them maintain their lead, while Aston Villa's changes did not yield the desired impact. Yellow cards for both teams added to the intensity, but no further goals were scored, securing Brentford's victory.

Brentford lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Caoimhín Kelleher in goal and a back four of Michael Kayode, Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg, and Keane Lewis-Potter. The midfield was anchored by Yegor Yarmolyuk and Jordan Henderson, with Dango Ouattara, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Kevin Schade supporting striker Igor Thiago. The lineup was largely expected, but the impact of Ouattara's early goal was crucial. Brentford's five substitutions, including Ogochukwu Onyeka Frank and Mathias Jensen, helped maintain their lead and secure the win.

Aston Villa also opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Emiliano Martínez between the posts and a defence consisting of Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, and Lucas Digne. The midfield duo of Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana supported the attacking quartet of John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, and Ollie Watkins. Despite their strong lineup, Aston Villa struggled to break down Brentford's defence. The substitutions of Emiliano Buendía, Ian Maatsen, and Donyell Malen were intended to change the game's dynamics, but they were unable to find the equaliser.

Caoimhín Kelleher is Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match, with his performance pivotal in securing Brentford's victory. Kelleher made two crucial saves, ensuring that Aston Villa did not find the back of the net despite their dominance in possession. Additionally, his one clearance and one punch were vital in maintaining a clean sheet, demonstrating his importance to the team's defensive effort.

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Win: 1-0 vs Aston Villa (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Nottingham Forest (A)

Recent Premier League Matches:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Brentford (A)

• Draw: 0-0 vs Newcastle United (H)

With their league position now at 9 and 3 points, Brentford will face AFC Bournemouth, who are in 8th place with 3 points, on August 26, 2025 at 18:45. This result will boost their confidence, and they will look to build on this performance by securing another positive result against Bournemouth, potentially moving up the table.

Aston Villa, now sitting in 16th place with 1 point, will take on Crystal Palace, who are in 14th place with 1 point, on August 29, 2025 at 19:00. The loss to Brentford will be a wake-up call for Villa, who will need to regroup and find a way to turn their possession into goals in their upcoming match against Palace.

Game Week 2

• Crystal Palace V Nottingham Forrest

• Everton V Brighton

• Fulham V Manchester United

Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting betting promotions and the latest betting offers to enhance your experience.

For the best Premier League outright predictions, explore our Outright Betting guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.