'I have to correct it' - Unai Emery's honest message to Aston Villa squad after Brentford draw

Unai Emery has taken the blame for Aston Villa’s defensive collapse in the 3-3 draw against Brentford, admitting Bees full-back Sergio Reguilon exposed a tactical flaw on the right side of defence.

Villa were 2-0 up courtesy of goals from Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers but Thomas Frank’s side fought back to score a nine-minute triple salvo. Watkins then responded by scoring again to salvage a point, rounding off a six-goal thriller.

Emery believes the Villans lost their focus after Rogers’ goal, with plenty to learn from the several lapses of concentration. “In 10 minutes in the Premier League we know we can lose everything we’ve built for,” Emery said during the post-match press conference.

“I can't be in their mind. We were in control of the game and thinking the match was for us. Some players haven't played in Europe before or played in the top seven of the Premier League. This is the experience they have to get.”

All three of Brentford’s goals came from similar situations – cross-field passes to the technically gifted Reguilon before the ball was squared into the area. Ezri Konsa failed to press Reguilon quickly enough on several occasions while Diego Carlos and Pau Torres left attackers unmarked.

"It was my mistake, I have to correct it. Because Reguilon crossed three times for three goals. I have to correct it,” Emery said of the errors. "This is a process. Everybody is upset today. I will work it with the players and I will tell them how we can continue in our way being successful.”