John McGinn delivered one of his best performances of the season at Villa Park, scoring once and putting three shots on target to earn a match-best 8.2 rating, but his individual excellence was not enough as Aston Villa were held to a 2-2 draw by Brentford on Matchday 6 of the Premier League. It was a result that will leave the hosts feeling two points were dropped rather than one gained, while the Bees will head back to west London satisfied with a hard-earned point on the road.

McGinn was the most dangerous player on the pitch from the outset, driving Villa forward with the relentless energy and attacking ambition that have made him a firm fan favourite. The Scotland international peppered the Brentford goal with three efforts on target — more than any other player on the field — and duly got his reward with a well-taken finish. His 8.2 rating reflected a display of real quality, one that on another day would have been enough to carry his side to all three points.

Brentford, however, demonstrated exactly why they continue to command respect in the Premier League. The visitors refused to be cowed by McGinn's threat and found the net twice themselves to ensure the contest remained level. Every time Villa looked to assert their authority, Brentford responded with composure and attacking purpose, making it clear they had no intention of settling for damage limitation at Villa Park.

The draw adds to a growing sense of frustration for Aston Villa, whose results this season have not always matched the quality of their performances. With McGinn in this kind of form and the home crowd behind them, Villa will have expected to convert dominance into victory. Instead, they were unable to shut the door at the back, and Brentford's ability to punish them ensured the points were divided.

As the Premier League season gathers pace and the fixture list becomes more demanding, Aston Villa will need to find greater consistency at both ends of the pitch. McGinn's contribution deserved to be on the winning side, and performances like his will be crucial as Villa pursue their ambitions. For Brentford, a point at Villa Park is a commendable result and further evidence of their capacity to compete with any side in the division.

Aston Villa 2-2 Brentford