Aston Villa player ratings as Champions League chase falters again in Burnley draw
Villa had to settle for a point at Turf Moor, piling the pressure on their remaining Premier League fixtures
If you were still wondering why surrendering against Tottenham Hotspur mattered, you’ve now got your answer.
Aston Villa had a much better attitude against Burnley but a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor in the Premier League showed just how damaging it can be to leave points on the table when there are so few remaining.
Unai Emery’s team conceded early and slowly clawed their way into the game, scoring before and after half time to briefly take the lead. But when you need a win, conceding twice is a pretty good way to give yourselves a problem.
It was another frustrating league outing for Villa, who are now very likely to need something from the last two fixtures against Liverpool and Manchester City. With a European final in between, that’s as worrying as it was avoidable.
Here are the ratings:
Emiliano Martínez - 6
Saved from Lesley Ugochukwu but palmed the ball straight to Jaidon Anthony to open the scoring – a split-second error but a costly one. Forced to take on a player in front of goal a minute into the second half and handled it well. Nothing he could do about Burnley’s second.
Pinged a brilliant long pass in behind for Morgan Rogers a minute later, showing fantastic vision and execution, which were on display again as he got an assist for Ollie Watkins to make it 2-1.
Matty Cash - 4
Looked to get forward on the right and was one of Villa’s most involved attacking players in the first quarter of the game. Caught in possession in the build-up to Burnley’s equalising goal and again in their half just before he was substituted.
Ezri Konsa - 6
Slipped in front of his own goal to allow Zian Flemming a chance from which he should have scored but otherwise solid defensively and with the ball. Did well one-on-one to stop Anthony on the break.
Tyrone Mings - 5
Had to have his wits about him as the last man on turnovers but far too casual in possession at times. Increased the rate of forward passes in the second half, finding Villa feet regularly.
Ian Maatsen - 4
Outsmarted by Loum Tchaouna in the fourth minute, which was a bad sign of what was to come in a difficult first 35 minutes. Made a good run early in the second half but overcooked it and took the ball over the byline. Substituted with just over quarter of an hour left.
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Victor Lindelöf - 7
Started in midfield again and was the first Villa player to nip in and pinch the ball after Burnley started on the front foot. Key winner of aerial balls. Sharp and composed passing at the base of the midfield. Did his bit defensively in transition too. Substituted after 73 minutes.
Youri Tielemans - 5
Too slow with the ball as Burnley made a determined start. Villa were most able to play through the lines when Tielemans got on the ball. Forced Max Weiss to tip over a shot from 20 yards late in the first period.
John McGinn - 6
Tremendous pass to Morgan Rogers in the third minute. Gradually started to get involved but his final ball in the first 30 minutes was lacking and set piece delivery was poor until a perfect corner to set up Ross Barkley’s header. Won another corner with a thumping half-volley that was blocked. Protected the ball brilliantly at times.
Didn’t make the most of a couple of late chances at the back post and went off with five minutes left.
Ross Barkley - 6
Lack of pace in transition was limiting but the quality of his passing helped to balance it out. Villa didn’t really feed him, which would be the only way to get a proper impact out of him. More effective when he dropped deeper. Made some good contributions in the press. Moved into midfield after Villa’s first substitutions.
Dragged a good chance wide after half an hour but got all of a shot from outside the box in the 42nd minute, and glanced in the equaliser from the resulting corner. Substituted late.
Morgan Rogers - 5
Good movement but poor finish in the first few minutes. Started to get into the game as he drifted inwards from the left and did some excellent tracking back in the first half. Quick reaction and quality cross to set up Watkins’ disallowed header.
Ollie Watkins - 6
Very nearly spot-on movement for yet another close-range goal, this time a disallowed header. Limited involvement in the first half but showed the strength of his all-round frontman’s game.
Gave the ball away to give Burnley a chance after the break just as they were in the ascendancy but tucked the ball in to give Villa the lead not 30 seconds later. Superb finish after escaping the defenders. Nearly had an assist for Barkley at 2-2.
Substitutes
Emi Buendía (for Lindelöf, 74) - Standard Buendía fare. Villa’s biggest threat while he was on the pitch. 7
Lucas Digne (for Maatsen, 74) - First contribution was a great cross for McGinn and did his defensive duties. 6
Douglas Luiz (for Barkley, 80) - Late substitute. N/A
Lamare Bogarde (for Cash, 80) - Late substitute. N/A
Leon Bailey (for McGinn, 85) - Late substitute. N/A