This time, Aston Villa found a way to close out an opponent; The Villans overcame two blown leads to beat Burnley 3-2 at Villa Park on Saturday.
The Villans threw away a 2-0 lead at Manchester United at midweek, and led 1-0 and 2-1 versus Burnley as Ollie Watkins set up goals for Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby.
WATCH ASTON VILLA vs BURNLEY FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM
Goals from Zeki Amdouni and Lyle Foster had Burnley well-poised for a point despite a sending-off for Sander Berge, but Villa got a late penalty when Jhon Duran was fouled in the box by Aaron Ramsey.
Douglas Luiz converted the penalty and Villa secured the points to go level with Liverpool on 42 points before the Reds play Monday.
Burnley remain in 19h place with 11 points, five points off safety.
Villa deserve better, get better
Burnley’s efforts were laudable, but their two goals were more than enough rewards for a 35% possession, 9-shot, 0.98 xG day.
Yes, Villa earned all three of these points. Unai Emery’s men were superior in every way and put seven of their 19 shots on goal. If you want the xG figure, it was a strong 3.15.
Ollie Watkins is the closest thing to Harry Kane that England’s produced aside from Harry Kane. He has an incredible eye for goal but can pick out a pass nearly as well and goodness did he lead from the front today.
The 28-year-old is part of a brutally-effective attack that has electricity in Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby plus more than a few technicians in the midfield. The late penalty was a just reward.
What’s next?
Aston Villa are off to Everton at 9am ET on January 14, while Burnley host Luton a day later at 2:45pm ET.
Aston Villa vs Burnley final score: 3-2
Goals: Bailey (28'), Amdouni (31'), Diaby (42'), Foster (71'), Luiz (pen 90')
Red card: Berge (56')
Aston Villa vs Burnley player ratings
(from fotmob.com)
Aston Villa vs Burnley player ratings (via fotmob.com)
Aston Villa vs Burnley player ratings (via fotmob.com)
Douglas Luiz penalty goal: Villa retakes the lead
Aaron Ramsey’s clearing attempt catches Jhon Duran in the box, and Villa’s going to the spot.
It’s Douglas Luiz and he’s got the better of James Trafford. Villa’s gonna emerge with all three points.
Lyle Foster goal!
Burnley’s back level despite being down a man. Can they hold on for 20 minutes?
Sander Berge red card (video)
A shirt pull while already on yellow, and Burnley’s down a man.
Moussa Diaby goal (video)
Watkins with another assist!
The England international beats the back line and works the right flank, cutting a ball toward the top of the six.
Diaby has shaken off his man and snaps the ball past James Trafford.
Zeki Amdouni goal (video)
Burnley answer quickly off a free kick.
Swept in from the left side, Dara O’Shea nods the ball back over the back and Amdouni leaps to chop it home with a fine left foot.
Leon Bailey goal (video)
Ollie Watkins cuts in from the left and sends a low pass through traffic to Leon Bailey.
The Jamaica international cues up his left foot and lashes past James Trafford, and Burnley’s ahead.
How to watch Aston Villa vs Burnley live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET, Saturday (December 30)
TV Channel: Peacock Premium
Online: Stream Premier League on Peacock
Aston Villa lineup
Representing Aston Villa for the final time in 2023! 👊 pic.twitter.com/jrwiszdN1O
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 30, 2023
Burnley lineup
Your Clarets to take on Aston Villa 💥 pic.twitter.com/0v7ad03PZW
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) December 30, 2023
Focus on Aston Villa, team news
OUT: Youri Tielemans (calf), Robin Olsen (knock), Boubacar Kamara (suspension), Emiliano Buendia (torn ACL - out for season), Tyrone Mings (torn ACL - out for season), Bertrand Traore (undisclosed), Matty Cash (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Pau Torres (undisclosed)
Focus on Burnley, team news
OUT: Luca Koleosho (knee), Jack Cork (calf)
