Brentford showed real fighting spirit to go from being 2-0 down to leading Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa at Villa Park last weekend, but couldn't hold out for all three points in the 3-3 draw.

Goals from Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers had put the Villans ahead with two goals either side of half-time and it looked like Unai Emery's side might romp to a comfortable win from that point. But the Bees kept on working, pulled themselves back in the game, and then led thanks to a ruthless 10-minute spell.

The trio that combined for Brentford's first of the afternoon are perhaps the three players who impressed the most.

Sergio Reguilón has proved a threat down the left flank for the Bees since his January loan signing, and he breezed past Lucas Digne to send in a cross that began the Bees' opener. Mikkel Damsgaard continued the move, sending the ball into the danger area where Zanka was on hand to apply the finishing touch.

While Reguilón didn't get an assist credit for his involvement in Brentford's first, he then set up Brentford's second and third goals and he was one of the west Londoners' biggest threats going forward, also having two attempts of his own.

The Spaniard has proven to be a savvy loan signing for Thomas Frank's side, his three assists now putting him joint-top for Brentford in the Premier League this season alongside Neal Maupay, Mathias Jensen and Bryan Mbeumo.

It was Damsgaard who got the assist credit for his role in Brentford's opening strike and, overall, the Danish midfielder enjoyed a fine game at Villa Park.

Damsgaard completed 24 of his 28 passes, the most successful passes of any Brentford player during the game. Those numbers give him an 86 per cent pass success rate, making him joint-top in his team alongside Vitaly Janelt - that is if you don't include substitute Keane Lewis-Potter's 100 per cent success rate from his two passes.

The 23-year-old Dane also made two successful tackles during the game, the joint-most for any Brentford player on the day alongside his compatriot Mathias Jensen.

The man who finished that move was Zanka. It might have been an unconventional finish, to say the least, but he's a man who has been in decent form in recent weeks.

The defender's goal was his first since October 2021 in a home defeat to Leicester City and was a fitting reward for his fine performances of late. No other Brentford player took as many touches (41) as Zanka on Saturday, the visitors having to be patient against an organised Villa side who love to hold onto the ball.

Zanka also did well defensively, winning five defensive aerial duals - the most of anyone on the pitch - and he also chipped in with two clearances.

While we spoke about Zanka's 'unique' finish, it was Mbeumo who finished off Regulión's cross with a fine piece of improvisation to draw Brentford level. Yoane Wissa then had an easy tap-in to make it 3-2 just minutes later.

Considering Brentford were leading it was a frustrating end to the game, as the Bees didn't manage to bag a victory they have deserved for some time.

Still, they showed great courage in a tough away trip against one of the best teams in the league this season.

It is now three games undefeated for Brentford and with an upcoming run of fixtures that looks more fruitful, three points could be on their way sooner rather than later if they maintain their recent performance levels.