Midlands | Aston Villa continue their resurgence

Aston Villa 2 - 1 Burnley

Donyell Malen scored twice as Aston Villa continued their resurgence with a fourth consecutive win in all competitions, overcoming struggling Burnley.

Author | Peter Grainger 

Stadium | Villa Park

View from the Holte End

Unai Emery’s side began brightly, carving out several early chances before finally taking the lead through Boubacar Kamara’s incisive pass that released Malen, who finished neatly into the bottom corner. It was the Dutch forward’s first goal of the season, his last coming against Southampton in April.

Emi Martínez, back in goal after missing Thursday’s Europa League victory over Feyenoord with a calf issue, produced an excellent one-handed save to deny Josh Cullen as Burnley pushed for an equaliser.

Villa remained in control and were aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty when Morgan Rogers went down under pressure from Axel Tuanzebe, though referee Andrew Kitchen was unmoved.

The hosts extended their advantage midway through the second half when Malen, moments before being substituted, rifled Rogers’ pass into the far corner for his second of the afternoon.

Lesley Ugochukwu’s header offered Burnley brief hope with 12 minutes remaining, but Villa held firm to secure back-to-back league victories after a stuttering start to the season.

Emery’s side climb to 13th, while Scott Parker’s team sit third from bottom after a fifth Premier League match without a win.

A feeling of deja vu for Burnley fans

Clarets fans can be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu as they flocked out of Villa Park. Parker's team, who have competed well during games against Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City this season, found themselves in some excellent attacking positions in the first half in particular.

Hartman was denied by Martinez in a one v one situation, but was deemed to be offside from Walker's pass, while Cullen was thwarted by an excellent stop from the Villa keeper.

But the visitors were carved open far too easily for the opening goal, with Kamara given time and space to thread a lovely pass in behind Burnley's back five for Malen to run on to.