Villa’s Carabao Cup Exit: A Familiar Story of Disappointment
Villa’s Carabao Cup campaign was over before it really began, as we were knocked out on penalties by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Despite taking the lead, the performance was another in a string of concerning displays. This early exit is particularly disappointing as the League Cup was arguably the most realistic chance of winning silverware this season.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a cagey start where Brentford went close, Villa finally took the initiative. New signing Harvey Elliott broke the deadlock, just after a decent penalty claim for Guessand was waved away. Following good pressure from John McGinn, the former Liverpool forward drove a powerful shot that squirmed between the keeper’s legs. It was a well-timed goal just before half-time, Elliott’s first for the club and Villa’s long-awaited first of the season. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be enough for a victory.
Embed from Getty ImagesA Second-Half Slump
Villa started the second half with some purpose, but a glorious opportunity to extend the lead was squandered. Jadon Sancho, who had been quiet up to that point, thumped his shot against the post with the goal gaping. It was a chance to put the game beyond reach, and the miss proved costly.
Brentford didn’t have to work hard for their equaliser. A long throw-in wasn’t dealt with, and Aaron Hickey produced a fine volley from the edge of the area to score. From that point on, Villa looked completely bereft of ideas, flair, energy, and urgency—a recurring theme this season.
Emery brought on substitutes Emi BuendÃa, Ollie Watkins, and Boubacar Kamara for the ineffective Malen, Guessand, and Sancho. Elliott was perhaps unlucky to be withdrawn, and Bogarde was also taken off to avoid a second yellow card. The changes did little to improve the team’s fortunes. Morgan Rogers, whose form has noticeably dropped at club level, made a couple of attempts at goal but was unable to make them count. As the final whistle blew, the sense of an inevitable penalty shootout loomed.
Penalty Heartbreak
The shootout started poorly, with McGinn’s weak opening shot easily saved by the keeper, Hákon Valdimarsson. BuendÃa and Watkins both scored, but Matty Cash’s spot-kick was comfortably saved by the keeper diving to his right, sealing Villa’s fate. Brentford won the shoot-out 4-2.
Overall, it was another tame performance from a side that has looked at its most disjointed since Emery’s arrival. There’s a clear lack of cohesion in our play and a tactical confusion that needs to be addressed. The pressure is mounting ahead of a tricky trip to Sunderland, where Villa must finally get their season back on track.
Embed from Getty Images