Few could have predicted that the first goal of the Aston Villa campaign would come from a shot that snuck into the back of the net between the keeper's legs, but that is exactly what transpired during the third round of the Carabao Cup. Considering how the beginning of the season has played out, this maybe should not come as too much of a surprise.
It took Brentford having a lapse in their build-up play for Villa to find an opportunity to take advantage while finding a way to sneak one past Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson.
Elliott did well, clearly, to make the most of this chance and earned his first goal in the claret and blue.
To that point, though, before the 43rd-minute effort, Villa had once again played like a side that enjoyed a good share of possession without creating too much of a chance that truly bothered the Bees' keeper.
Marco Bizot was called upon to preserve the clean sheet for Villa. All in all, however, this is a positive development that needs to now snowball into more goals for Villa. Sometimes, that is all that it takes. After seeing multiple matches in which the attack has been largely uninspiring, it will help to see anything go in the back of the net.
Start of continued good progress for Aston Villa
For Elliott, it is a dream first start.
Considering the number of options who will not be able to see their fair share of playing time during the matches in other competitions, it is increasingly important for Villa to progress in the Carabao Cup in order to preserve the fitness and match time for all in the squad. Elliott's strike could also end up meaning even more than simply progressing to the next stage of a tournament.