Dean Smith was delighted with his side’s performance as John Egan’s late goal secured a well-deserved point from Brentford's first visit to Villa Park since 1953. The hosts took the lead midway through the first-half as Jonathan Kodija curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner but The Bees took control in the second-half and grabbed a deserved point at the death thanks to Egan’s third of the season. Speaking to Bees Player after the match, Dean said he felt his side were well worth their point and praised his team’s performance.
“I am really delighted,” said Dean. “I thought we were outstanding in the second-half. To a man we bossed the second-half and restricted them to few chances. They started the game really well and made it tough. We are disappointed with the goal but we can look and say that is what £15 million gives you. It was a great finish as he turned inside and put it into the top corner but I felt as the game progressed we got better. We had a number of chances towards the end of the first-half but our final ball and decision making wasn’t quite there. Second-half I thought that we dominated. After ten minutes of the second-half we had got on top and 1-0 is a dangerous score. We had to work very hard for that and it shows that we have a lot of quality players. Every player, and the substitutes who came on, can be pleased with their performances. They all made an impact and it was the least that we deserved.”
John’s goal was set-up by Crystal Palace loanee Sullay Kaikai who replaced Josh Clarke midway through the half. Dean was pleased with the contribution that all three of his replacements made and feels this shows the quality running throughout the squad at the moment.
“We have got strength in depth at the moment and that is really pleasing,” said Dean. “Sullay came on early in the second-half and has made an impact. Lasse Vibe has made an impact as has Josh McEachran. That strength in depth is what you want. These last two results at Brighton and Hove Albion and Aston Villa have shown people that we are not a team that you can take lightly but the players want more and they want to get better. “
It’s a quick turnaround for the players now with Preston North End the visitors to Griffin Park on Saturday afternoon. After two tough away trips, Dean is looking forward to playing in front of the home fans again but has warned that North End cannot be taken lightly.
“There are no easy games,” said Dean. “We have had two tough away trips but I watched Preston North End last night and they were excellent against Cardiff City, winning 3-0. It will be another tough game but all we can concentrate on is our performance. If our performance levels are like they have been then we will be ok. We want to make Griffin Park an intimidating place and I think we have done that so far. With the exception of the first-half against Sheffield Wednesday this season we have been very good and we need to continue that to keep climbing the table.”