Keith Andrews continued the impressive start to his managerial career last night, with Brentford advancing to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Aston Villa.

Having overcome Bournemouth in the previous round, Brentford were handed the rather tricky prospect of facing Unai Emery’s side this time around. Their task was made all the more difficult after a howler from backup goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson in the opening half, allowing Harvey Elliott to open the scoring for Villa.

However, Andrews’ side would respond well from that point. They would go on to equalise through Aaron Hickey in the second half, before Valdimarsson redeemed himself with two saves in the ensuing penalty shootout.

With this victory, the Irishman has now taken three wins and a draw from his first six competitive games in charge.

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Keith Andrews Had Intriguing Response To Howler From Brentford Goalkeeper

There were plenty of doubts about Brentford’s decision to appoint Keith Andrews over the summer, with his lack of managerial experience the main concern. While it still remains very early in his tenure, there have been signs of encouragement that the move could prove to be a shrewd one.

Speaking to Sky Sports after last night’s game, the former Ireland midfielder displayed an impressive mentality when discussing the mistake made by his goalkeeper.

I’m just delighted for the group really. There was a lot of players coming in, debuts like Reiss Nelson and Benji Arthurs, who we have a lot of faith and confidence in.

Hakon [Valdimarsson] was obviously the hero with those saves after a testing night, to be honest. I just think that’s testament to the group and the environment that’s here.

He makes a mistake. I don’t really care about a mistake, it’s about the intentions of the players on a day to day basis. They’re always pretty good here, so it’s a nice end to the night…

There was one really good save in the game in the second half as well. It goes back to the environment. I was quick to say it at halftime, I felt that after the first ten minutes of the game we were probably the better side.

We caused them more problems, got a grip of the game, got more control. We grew into it confidence wise. We gifted them a goal really.

Then from that, we were in a good place. We started the second half well and had to make changes. We’re delighted to go through.

Having rested a number of first choice players for last night’s game, the way in which his team battled back in the second half would certainly have been a promising sign for Keith Andrews.

Brentford will now travel to take on Fulham this weekend, before back-to-back home games against the Manchester clubs before the October international break.

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