Aston Villa and Brentford drew 2-2 at Villa Park as Kristoffer Ajer’s late equaliser preserved the visitors’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
Brentford began with intent, pressing high and capitalising when Tyrone Mings lost possession in a dangerous position. Yehor Yarmoliuk collected the loose ball and struck firmly past the goalkeeper to put the visitors ahead after 10 minutes.
Villa responded almost immediately. Emi Buendia’s effort took a deflection and Nicolas Jackson reacted quickest to finish from close range, restoring parity just 88 seconds later.
Unai Emery’s side created further opportunities before half-time, with Buendia, Johan Manzambi and John McGinn all going close. Jackson and McGinn were later denied by Caoimhin Kelleher in stoppage time at the end of the first half.
Brentford threatened again after the interval, although Anthony headed over from Jensen’s cross at the far post. Villa eventually moved in front in the 77th minute when McGinn’s shot took another deflection on its way into the net.
The lead lasted only two minutes. Ajer made an unexpected run through the left channel from deep before forcing the ball home to level the contest once more.
The result leaves Brentford unbeaten after six Premier League matches and among the top four. Villa, meanwhile, have won only once in their opening six games, extending their stuttering start under Emery.
