Emery frustrated over 'unjust' VAR ruling as Villas championship aspirations dim

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery criticised a VAR decision that disallowed a goal for his team during Sundays 1-0 loss at home to Brentford who were reduced to 10 players which hampered their Premier League title ambitions.

Tammy Abraham believed he had equalised with a goal on his comeback appearance for Villa midway through the second half but an extended VAR review concluded the ball had crossed the touchline earlier in the sequence.

Despite Brentfords numerical disadvantage after Kevin Schades sending off Villa failed to find a way through their defence for the remainder of the match.

The visitors went ahead shortly after Schades dismissal for lashing out at Matty Cash when Dango Ouattara fired home from a tight position.

"Naturally I have to accept the outcome. However in my view it lacks fairness" Emery remarked. "My perspective is that it was a single incident following a prolonged phase. If the linesman missed it we should have carried on with the game.

"I believe VAR ought not to intervene in such cases. I respect the call though it feels unjust.

"Theres little else I can add. Thats the nature of the sport and Brentford performed remarkably well short handed."

This setback positions Villa seven points behind table toppers Arsenal while they must also watch rivals below in the race for Champions League spots next term.

Emery's squad hold a seven point cushion over fifth placed Liverpool where finishing in the top five should suffice for European elite qualification.