Brentford extended their unbeaten Premier League run to eight matches after Kristoffer Ajer’s late equaliser secured a 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
The defender rescued a point shortly after inadvertently helping Villa take the lead, leaving Unai Emery’s side still searching for their first home league victory of the season.
Brentford struck first in the 10th minute through Yehor Yarmoliuk, but their advantage lasted only 88 seconds as Nicolas Jackson scored for the second successive match to bring Villa level.
With neither team finding a breakthrough for much of the contest, a draw appeared increasingly likely before two late goals brought the game back to life.
Villa captain John McGinn looked to have won it when his shot took a significant deflection off Ajer and flew beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
However, Brentford responded almost immediately.
Jaidon Anthony set up Ajer, who finished to make amends and ensure the visitors left Villa Park with a point.
The result lifted Keith Andrews’ side to fourth, while Villa collected their first home point of the campaign following two defeats.
Emery had called for an improvement in Villa’s home performances before kick-off, but his players were unable to deliver the victory he wanted.
Having lost their previous two league fixtures at Villa Park, including their most recent home outing against Nottingham Forest, Villa again endured a frustrating afternoon.
Emery has declined to blame the redevelopment of the North Stand for their struggles, although the work has affected the atmosphere inside the ground.
There were nevertheless encouraging signs on the pitch.
Villa responded swiftly to Yarmoliuk’s opener rather than allowing another early setback to undermine their performance.
Jackson’s equaliser demonstrated their attacking threat, while McGinn’s deflected effort briefly put them within reach of ending their home drought.
Their failure to protect that lead will disappoint Emery, but a first home point against an unbeaten Brentford side gives Villa something to build on.
They will need a stronger performance when league leaders Manchester City visit on 24 October.
Brentford remain one of four unbeaten teams in the Premier League this season, alongside Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton.
Their eight-match sequence without defeat, stretching back into last season, is the longest current unbeaten run in the division.
Although Andrews will be frustrated by how quickly his side surrendered their early lead, their response to McGinn’s goal provided another example of their determination.
Ajer’s equaliser ensured Brentford avoided defeat after falling behind late in the match and added another valuable point to their promising start.
The next challenge is to turn more draws into victories.
Four of their opening six league matches have finished level, limiting the rewards from their consistent performances.
Brentford will have another opportunity to do so when they host Liverpool next Saturday.
