Aston Villa have strengthened their top four chances heading into the holiday fixtures with a win against Brentford this past weekend. The Villans are now four points clear of Man City in fourth and five clear of Tottenham in fifth.
It wasn't the easiest of victories as the Bees took the lead just before halftime. The second half would offer a few twists as Brentford's Ben Mee was sent off for lunging at Villa's Leon Bailey.
Bailey would then go on to even the score before Ollie Watkins made it 2-1 for Aston Villa with five minutes left in regular time.
⚽️✨ Ollie Watkins: "There was one person who was abusing me all game. The celebration wasn't to anyone else, it was directed directly at him!" 👀
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 17, 2023
85th minute winner from OW vs Brentford. pic.twitter.com/X07q5Vf9YT
Watkins goal celebration in front of the Brentford fans kicked off a fracus that resulted in several bookings and would cause the rest of the match to be played with tempers high. The former Brentford player stood in the net pointing at a supporter who has since been accused of verbally abusing Watkins.
By the end there were 10 bookings altogether including both managers being cautioned. Boubacar Kamara, who assisted the game winner, was sent off well into stoppage time leaving both sides with 10 men to finish the hotly contested match.
The win for Villa continues an impressive unbeaten streak that dates back to November 9th, during which they have defeated title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal as well as finish top of their group in the Europa Conference League.
Whether or not Unai Emery's side can continue this form through the congested holiday fixture list and into the new year remains to be seen. As for now though Villa fans will be pinching themselves and hoping 2024 offers more of the same.