Kristoffer Ajer rescued a point for Brentford with a late equaliser in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday.
The defender had been unfortunate to deflect John McGinn's effort into his own net late in the second half, but he made amends just two minutes later to preserve Brentford's unbeaten start to the Premier League season.
Brentford made the brighter start and took the lead in the 10th minute. After Villa struggled to clear their lines under pressure, the ball fell to Yehor Yarmoliuk, who struck a powerful half-volley into the net.
Villa responded almost immediately. Emiliano Buendía's effort took a deflection and fell invitingly for Nicolas Jackson, who finished from close range to bring the hosts level after just 12 minutes.
Both sides continued to threaten before the break. Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher produced important saves to keep Villa at bay, while the visitors also created opportunities through Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade.
The contest remained finely balanced after half-time, with Villa eventually moving in front in the 77th minute. Johan Manzambi found McGinn, whose effort took a deflection off Ajer and looped beyond Kelleher.
Villa's advantage lasted barely two minutes. Ajer combined with Jaidon Anthony through a quick one-two, broke into the penalty area and calmly finished from close range to make it 2-2.
The hosts pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Brentford held on to take a valuable away point. The result extended their unbeaten opening run to six league matches, their best start to a league campaign since 2006–07.
For Villa, the draw means their search for a first home league victory of the season continues. Unai Emery's side showed attacking promise but were unable to protect their late lead.
Brentford, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their response after falling behind. Ajer's decisive contribution ensured that his earlier deflection did not prove costly, as Keith Andrews' side maintained their strong early-season form.
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