December 17, (THEWILL) – Aston Villa striker, Ollie Watkins, was the hero on Sunday, heading a dramatic 85th minute winner, to complete a remarkable turnaround against 10-man Brentford. Watkins’ late goal earned a 2-1 away victory after the home side had taken the lead but were reduced to 10 men when Ben Mee saw red.
Despite Brentford going ahead through Keane Lewis-Potter’s strike right before half-time, the game hinged on defender Mee’s dismissal for a dangerous tackle on Leon Bailey. With the man advantage, Villa equalised in the 77th minute via Álex Moreno, before Watkins rose highest to nod in a vital winner.
Watkins’ goal sparked wild celebrations from the Villa players and staff, coming against his former club Brentford. The comeback win epitomised Villa’s determination under manager Unai Emery, overturning the deficit after trailing at the break.
Brentford will consider it an unfortunate result as they had initially looked on course for victory after Lewis-Potter finished well to give Thomas Frank’s men a 1-0 lead at the interval. However, Mee’s red card for serious foul play swung the momentum in Villa’s favour.
With Brentford down to 10, Emery’s side took control, Moreno equalised from Bailey’s pinpoint cross before Watkins headed in the decider. The win leaves Villa dreaming of an unlikely English Premier League title push.
There was late drama when Villa’s Boubacar Kamara also saw red deep into added time after clashing with Yehor Yaremchuk. Yet, Watkins’ earlier heroics had already earned the vital three points in a memorable contest.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
