Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce was full of praise for Brentford and admitted his side were grateful to Sam Johnstone for leaving the contest with a point.

The Villans stopper made key saves to deny Josh Clarke and Ollie Watkins in the second half as the Bees outclassed the home side.

And Bruce was left frustrated by his side's performance that saw them booed off by their supporters.

He said: “It was frustrating and disappointing and I'm thankful to take a point. The goalkeeper has earned his spurs today.

“I was conscious of the fact that practically the whole team have been away on international and, in hindsight, especially the young ones who have been with England all had to come off.

“Keinan (Davis) was sore yesterday while Greeny (Andre Green) and Josh (Onomah) picked up injuries and knocks.

Steve Bruce

“In hindsight, I blame myself as the young ones give us the spark have been away. I should have been better.

“I take responsibility for it as there was no real freshness. Too many have been away and we were flat as we could be.”

Bruce didn't feel the Bees caused any surprises, despite their difficult start to the season and selling Jota, Harlee Dean and Maxime Colin to Birmingham in the closing stages of the transfer window.

He added: “They didn't surprise me. They've been like that for two or three years. They've come to Villa Park and played with a freedom.

“People love taking their players off them because of how well they've done. They've still got some very good players.

“They caused us problems and they were excellent. They'll be fine in the league this season. Don't worry about that.”