Aston Villa’s early-season struggles continued with a Carabao Cup third-round exit to Brentford, losing 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Despite taking the lead through Harvey Elliott capitalising on a blunder from Brentford keeper Hakon Valdimarsson Villa were pegged back by Aaron Hickey’s second-half volley. Valdimarsson, at fault for the opener, redeemed himself in the shootout by saving penalties from John McGinn and Matty Cash. Villa have now failed to win in five games this season, with just one goal in over eight hours of football. The loss also marks their fourth League Cup first-round exit in five seasons, deepening the pressure at Villa Park.