Aston Villa player ratings vs Brentford: Jadon Sancho a complete no-show, 8/10 rouses
Aston Villa were knocked out of the Carabao Cup 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Harvey Elliott opened the scoring for Unai Emery‘s side, who finally ended a run of five competitive games in a row without scoring.
Aaron Hickey levelled for the Bees midway through the second half with a superb volley past Marco Bizot from a long throw-in.
John McGinn and Matty Cash missed their penalties in the shootout for Villa, while Brentford scored all of theirs to reach the fourth round.
It was a major improvement in performance from Villa, after a 0-0 draw with Everton on Saturday left much to be desired in an offensive sense, but it was ultimately another disappointing result.
Harvey Elliott begins to prove his value
Elliott has already endeared himself to the Villa faithful with an outstanding performance at Brentford.
Elliott signed on deadline day from Liverpool on loan with an obligation to buy, and the deal is already bearing fruit with a goal on his full debut.
| Harvey Elliott vs Brentford | Total |
| Goals | 1 |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 39/42 (91%) |
| Ground duels won | 2/2 (100%) |
The former Fulham man capitalised on a mistake at the back by the Bees to give Villa the lead in the first half, while he was also able to drive Emery’s side forward on numerous occasions.
A top-class performance, and Villa fans can expect more as Elliott looks to re-energise a stagnant, stale frontline in his time in the Midlands.
Jadon Sancho drops a no-show on Aston Villa debut
Jadon Sancho also joined Villa on deadline day on loan from Manchester United, but his debut was much less impressive at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Sancho was left on the bench in the 0-0 draw with Everton on Saturday, but was given a go from the off against Brentford as Emery looked to get his attack firing.
Villa finally got their long awaited, but it had very little to do with the former Chelsea man, who looked anonymous throughout the entire first half.
To top off a poor night, Sancho hit the post with an open net in front of him, just five minutes before the Brentford equaliser.
If he wants to get minutes in the Premier League, improvement is needed.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Brentford
Marco Bizot – 5/10
Matty Cash – 4/10
Ezri Konsa – 6/10
Pau Torres – 7/10
Ian Maatsen – 6/10
John McGinn – 6/10
Lamare Bogarde – 6/10
Jadon Sancho – 3/10
Harvey Elliott – 8/10
Donyell Malen – 5/10
Evann Guessand – 6/10
Substitutes
Ollie Watkins – 5/10
Morgan Rogers – 6/10
Emi Buendia – 6/10
Boubacar Kamara – 6/10
Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba – N/A
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