Brentford ended a frustrating night at Villa Park on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline.

Aston Villa registering a first Premier League win since mid-October after scoring all their goals with little more than a half hour played. Morgan Rogers’ beautifully struck effort from outside the box getting things going, quickly followed by a penalty for Ollie Watkins and then Matty Cash close in.

Only Rogers’ goal – one of those shots that 9 times out 10 doesn’t get close – anything to write home about. Watkins’ penalty was for about as soft a challenge as they come from Ethan Pinnock. Even then, Mark Flekken got a hand to it but couldn’t, quite, keep it out. Matty Cash then making it 3-0 on 34 minutes, getting on the end of a ball across a crowded box. It probably could have been cut out earlier but despite a look at potential offside, the goal stood.

Ugly, gorgeous, soft or defendable. It doesn’t matter. They all count when they cross the line. Thomas Frank will probably more concerned with the fact that his team went from 0-0 to 3-0 down in just thirteen minutes. Moreso, after setting the early pace against an Aston Villa team who looked as though they may be there for the taking.

Only Mikkel Damsgaard’s second half effort offering a glimmer of hope but, in truth, it was our sole effort on target all night. Compare that to ten for the hosts (who had a total of 20 shots) to see the general flow of the game. Igor Thiago might have scored soon after coming on but hit over. Beyond that, for once there wasn’t much to report in terms of Brentford cutting edge.

It happens. Perhaps the signs were there from the start when the line ups were revealed. Villa handed the boost of goalkeeper Emi Martínez being declared fit despite going off on Sunday with what transpired to be a hairline fracture on his finger. For Brentford, both Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard were missing with minor injuries.

The former had been confirmed in Tuesday’s press conference but the unavailability of the skipper felt like a real psychological blow. It was the sort of game he was built for and his absence seemed exacerbated by the way Villa broke through the middle with abandon. Surging forwards with impunity and carving out the goals that locked the game out before it had really got going. Being honest, and we’ll get to it shortly, the scoreline could have been greater in the home side’s favour.

It’s always hard to be overly positive in the aftermath of a game such as this one. Thomas Frank not hiding at full time, noting “We didn’t hit our highest level today”, although also acknowledging the calibre of the opposition. The boss then going on to add that “I know we are better than what we showed today, that’s the frustrating part”.

One thing we know about Thomas is that he’ll have this result boxed off by Thursday. Dwell on things briefly then move forward has always been a well-documented mantra. Much better to focus on the positive of another home game this Saturday. Back on our own turf with the visit of Newcastle United.

We all know how well things have played out at The Gtech so far this season. Anybody feeling subdued by the game at Villa Park need only think back to what happened at the weekend just gone.

Until then, time for the regular game by game look at our the top five performers. As always, five points being awarded for star player, four for second place, three for third etc with the totals added up game-by-game to find an overall winner for the season.

Perhaps a trickier task than normal but let’s look to give credit where it is due.

2024/25 Brentford Player Ratings from Matchweek 14 (vs Aston Villa)

1st (Star player: 5 points) – Mikkel Damsgaard
If anything was going to happen for Brentford it looked like it would most likely come from Mikkel.

The goal to reduce the deficit early in to the second half was brimming with his own confidence. “Square it” we shouted as he found himself on the touchline with the ball but cut in to the box. It felt an eternity as he waited, waltzed, picked his moment then fired hard and high into the back of the net.

As always it feels, he was the one looking to develop the game. He was our most fouled player but wasn’t afraid to get in the mix, either. For those of you with an eye on the stats, he’s been credited with 8 tackles made. An impressive figure in its own right and moreso when you consider this was out of a team total of 14 registered.

Damsgaard very much looking to hold back the tide, when he wasn’t breaking forwards.

2nd (4 points) – Mark Flekken
Not for the first time, Mark featuring high up in our chart despite the team being on the wrong end of a reverse on their travels.

Let’s be honest – it could have been a lot, lot harsher result were it not for Mark. Several smart stops from both Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran (both, on more than one occasion) keeping the Bees in it. Vitaly Janelt probably getting his ‘keeper something extra special this Xmas after an uncharacteristic lapse saw a woeful back pass put the Bees in jeopardy.

Thankfully, Fleks was there and on a night where, for once, so many struggled to get going it was vital our number one was… quick off the mark. No pun intended.

3rd (3 points) – Keane Lewis-Potter
If Mikkel was the player most likely to, once again KLP was right behind him.

It’s starting to feel a little bit of a copy/paste now but that’s’ as much testament to how well he’s playing. With Brentford up against it, he at least got stuck in. As tight as he could be in defence. Striving desperately to take the game to Villa when he could. Only Bryan Mbeumo delivering more ball into the danger zones.

Let’s be clear – Villa played really well. Any attempt to match them needed everybody on their ‘A’ game. At least KLP can look back to say he was amongst those that reached that level.

4th (2 points) – Bryan Mbeumo
I’m giving fourth place to Bryan for pure effort.

There were no goals. No assists. No shots. Yet, at the same time, it felt as though he never stopped trying.

Certainly, if a goal was going to come then outside of Damsgaard’s attempt to win the game single handed, Bryan and KLP looked like our best creative options. His ball though to Thiago for the aforementioned chance could have set up a grandstand finish but, alas, having been served up the opportunity it was then hit over.

5th (1 point) – Paris Maghoma
A bright spark from the bench.

Maghoma’s long awaited debut after those impressive loan stints at AFC Wimbledon and Bolton Wanderers could not have come in tougher circumstances. Staring down the barrel of impending defeat and just 25 minutes to make his mark. To do something.

Nobody can knock the effort and at least he offered a glimmer of hope for The Bees. Both in the final few minutes as well as longer term where he has shown Thomas that there are more options.

2024/25 Brentford Player Ratings – Top 5 Overall (after Matchweek 14)

All of which means that the main change at the top of our season long table is Mikkel Damsgaard moving further ahead. KLP and Mark Flekken go back to joint second with four and five remaining as before.

Now let’s bring on Eddie, Flash Gordon and, no doubt, plenty of shirtless bellies this weekend. It’s Newcastle United at the Gtech on Saturday – this could be fun!

1st – Mikkel Damsgaard (37 points)
T2nd – Keane Lewis-Potter, Mark Flekken (29 points)
4th – Nathan Collins (25 points)
5th – Bryan Mbeumo (23 points)