BRIDGE TOO VAR FOR VILLANS' TITLE BID?

ASTON VILLA's Premier League title hopes suffered a major blow as they were controversially denied a goal by VAR in a 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Brentford.

- BY JONATHAN VEAL

OUATSTANDING Dango Ouattara scores a stunning goal to claim a shock win over Villa

Tammy Abraham's second-half strike was chalked off after VAR Paul Tierney ruled the ball had gone out of play 19 seconds earlier, when Villa had it near their own corner flag.

The official made the decision after a check which took over three minutes, with Brentford going on to see out the victory despite playing for over 45 minutes with 10 men.

Dango Ouattara scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time, just minutes after Kevin Schade had been sent off for kicking out at Matty Cash.

Cash. The Bees produced a fine defensive performance after the break and condemned Villa to a second successive home league defeat, which probably ends any realistic hopes of challenging for the title.

Villa boss Unai Emery (circle, left) said: "They competed fantastically. We tried everything but they have the habit to defend with their experience in the Premier League.