Burnley 2-2 Aston Villa: Visitors held by already-relegated Clarets

"Aston Villa’s hopes of securing a Champions League place for next season were dealt a blow as they were held to a draw by already-relegated Burnley at Turf Moor. Jaidon Anthony gave the hosts an early lead before Ross Barkley levelled on the stroke of half-time. Ollie Watkins then put the visitors in front in after the break before Zian Flemming equalised moments later. After the euphoria of reaching the Europa League final on Thursday, Villa failed to build on that result, leaving their chances of finishing in the top four in the balance with two games remaining."

"After a slow start from the visitors, Anthony gave the already-downed clarets the lead inside 10 minutes. Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez failed to hold onto Lesley Ugochukwu's shot from distance, parrying the ball out to the winger, who was on hand to lash home. Flemming then wasted a glorious opportunity to double the hosts lead before a rejuvenated Villa eventually found their feet after going behind. First Ollie Watkins saw his header ruled out on 38 minutes, but, just moments later, Barkley was on hand to nod in the equaliser from a corner."

"After the break, Flemming was inches from connecting to Hannibal's driven cross before Watkins completed the turnaround when the England striker ran between both Burnley centre-halves to touch Martinez's long ball over the top into the net. But just when Villa looked to be on top, it was third-time lucky for Flemming, who finished well after an incisive Burnley move top again draw the side level. John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Zeki Amdouni then all saw good chances go begging as both teams went in search of a win."

Burnley, already relegated, took an early lead at Turf Moor when Jaidon Anthony scored inside 10 minutes after Emi Martinez parried Lesley Ugochukwu’s long-range shot. Ross Barkley equalised just before half-time by nodding in from a corner after Ollie Watkins’ header was ruled out. After the break, Ollie Watkins put Villa ahead by running between Burnley centre-halves to touch Martinez’s long ball over the top into the net. Zian Flemming then levelled moments later, finishing after an incisive Burnley move. Villa created further chances through John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, and Zeki Amdouni but could not secure a win.

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