Aston Villa's disappointing start to the 2025-2026 season took another hit with their elimination from the English League Cup. The Villans were defeated by Brentford 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the third-round tie ended in a 1-1 draw. This loss extends Villa's winless streak and highlights their struggles in the early stages of the campaign.

The match against Brentford saw Aston Villa score their first goal of the season, with recent signing Harvey Elliott finding the net after a defensive error in the 43rd minute. However, their lead was short-lived as Aaron Hickey responded with a strong volley in the 57th minute, leveling the score and ultimately forcing the game into a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Brentford's goalkeeper, Hákon Valdimarsson, proved to be the hero, saving penalties from John McGinn and Matty Cash. Mikkel Damsgaard then sealed the victory for Brentford with the decisive penalty.

Despite the loss, Aston Villa's manager, Unai Emery, expressed some encouragement from his team's performance. He acknowledged the new players and the challenges in finding the right balance within the squad but stated that they are progressing in the desired direction.

Meanwhile, in other League Cup action, fourth-tier Grimsby Town continued their dream run in the competition. Fresh off their upset victory against Manchester United in the previous round, Grimsby secured another shock win by defeating second-tier Sheffield Wednesday 1-0. Jaze Kabia's header from a corner was enough to send the Mariners into the fourth round for the first time since the 2001-2002 season.

Crystal Palace also advanced to the fourth round, but not without a fight. They needed a penalty shootout to overcome second-tier Millwall after a 1-1 draw. Chris Richards had given Palace the lead, but Ryan Leonard's late equalizer forced the shootout. Ultimately, Walter Benítez, Palace's goalkeeper, made two crucial saves to secure the win for his team.

Aston Villa, a club with a rich history including seven Football League First Division titles, seven FA Cups, five League Cups, and a European Cup, will now need to focus on improving their Premier League form after this early League Cup exit. The team has been a leading English club since the 1880s and even reached the Champions League quarterfinals last season.