Brentford F.C. vs Aston Villa Timeline: A Tale of Grit, Goals & Rivalry
Introduction
The fixture between Brentford F.C. and Aston Villa may not be among the oldest rivalries, but it has turned increasingly dramatic in recent years. From rarely met opponents to heated Premier League encounters, crucial Championship battles, and unforgettable moments—this timeline traces how their story has evolved. Below is a professional and comprehensive 1500-word dive into their encounters.
Head-to-Head Overview
As of mid‑2025, these clubs have confronted each other 22 times in competitive fixtures:
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Brentford wins: 4
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Aston Villa wins: 10
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Draws: 8
Aston Villa have had the upper hand historically, particularly early in the rivalry. But in the Championship era and recently in the Premier League, Brentford began to close the gap.
Match Timeline & Highlights
Early 20th-Century First Division Clashes
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Sep 1935 | League 1 | Brentford 1–2 Villa |
| 17 Sep 1938 | League 1 | Villa 5–0 Brentford |
| 08 Feb 1939 | League 1 | Brentford 2–4 Villa |
Early Premier League era was firmly under Villa’s dominance.
The Championship Era (2016–2019)
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Sep 2016 | Championship | Brentford 1–1 Villa (Egan equaliser, 88') |
| 31 Jan 2017 | Championship | Brentford 3–0 Villa |
| 26 Dec 2017 | Championship | Brentford 2–1 Villa |
| 22 Aug 2018 | Championship | Villa 2–2 Brentford |
| 13 Feb 2019 | Championship | Brentford 1–0 Villa |
This period marked Brentford’s rise, frequently turning tables on Villa.
Premier League Clashes (2021–2025)
| Date | Result | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Aug 2021 | Villa 1–1 Brentford | Tight draw shortly after Brentford’s promotion |
| 02 Jan 2022 | Brentford 2–1 Villa | First Premier League win for Brentford over Villa |
| 23 Oct 2022 | Villa 4–0 Brentford | Villa dominant return to form |
| 22 Apr 2023 | Brentford 1–1 Villa | A well-contested draw |
| 17 Dec 2023 | Brentford 1–2 Villa | Watkins, ex-Brentford star, scored winner; match intense with red cards |
| 06 Apr 2024 | Villa 3–3 Brentford | Six-goal thriller; Villa edges ahead early but Bees fight back |
| 04 Dec 2024 | Villa 3–1 Brentford | Another Villa win, underscoring recent control |
| 08 Mar 2025 | Brentford 0–1 Villa | Watkins again decisive with a strike |
Statistical Snapshot – Premier League Era
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Total Premier League Matches: 8
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Villa Wins: ~4
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Brentford Wins: ~2
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Draws: ~2
Despite a promising start, Brentford’s Premier League clean sheets against Villa remain elusive.
Pivotal Moments & Key Themes
Notable Turning Points
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Watkins' Winning Goals: The former Brentford striker has often been the deciding factor—scoring key goals and symbolizing the rivalry’s dramatic narratives.
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Thundering Wins: The 4–0 drubbing in 2022 and the 3–3, six-goal thriller in 2024 offered emotional and tactical fireworks.
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Promotion to Premier League: Brentford’s promotion marked a new stage in their rivalry.
Top 5 Unforgettable Encounters
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02 Jan 2022: Brentford claim first Premier League win over Villa (2–1).
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17 Dec 2023: Watkins’ late winner amid red-card chaos.
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06 Apr 2024: 3–3 Premier League exchange packed with action.
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23 Oct 2022: Villa’s 4–0 thrashing as a reminder of their firepower.
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14 Sep 2016: Late equalizer in Championship marked historic resurgence for Brentford.
Conclusion
The Brentford vs Aston Villa timeline is a narrative of resurgence, rivalry, and recurring drama. From early-day dominance by Villa to Brentford's Championship revival and heated Premier League clashes, each chapter deepens the competitive tension. Watkins’ bridge between clubs, high-scoring thrillers, and shifting fortunes make this small but dynamic rivalry one to watch closely in the seasons ahead.
