Aston Villas push for top five suffers blow in stalemate against doomed Burnley

Burnleys drop to a lower division left Aston Villa as the sole team with stakes in this fixture and that showed early on when John McGinn spotted Morgan Rogers lurking between the home sides central defenders yet he dragged his shot past the post guarded by Premier League newcomer Max Weiss.

That wasted chance appeared all the more damaging within the first ten minutes as Emiliano Martinez merely pushed away Lesley Ugochukwus controlled shot straight to Jaidon Anthony who gladly tapped in the lead despite Villas dominance.

Villa struggled to find rhythm during the initial period and Burnley nearly capitalised around the midpoint of the first half.

Loum Tchaouna drove much of the positives for the Clarets and his precise pass located Zian Flemming free in the box but the Dutch players erratic attempt sent the ball far astray.

Unai Emerys squad believed they had equalised when Ollie Watkins nodded in Rogerss cross only for VAR to rule his foot slightly offside prior to contact.

Villa swiftly restored parity shortly after and on this occasion there were no queries as Ross Barkley rose to connect with McGinns curling corner and direct it into the net.

Villa dominated proceedings at the outset of the second period and their persistence paid off in odd fashion with Martinez redeeming his prior mistake by launching a long ball that released Watkins behind the defence enabling him to outpace Weiss and nudge Villa ahead.

Their lead lasted briefly however as careless possession from Matty Cash in his own territory allowed Burnley to strike back when Hannibal Mejbris clever touch set up Flemming to guide the ball precisely into the bottom corner.

It seemed unexpected that Emery delayed offensive substitutions beyond the 70 minute mark yet it was a regular starter who fluffed a prime opportunity firing a free header wide from the back post with an open goal beckoning.

Each team carved out chances for a decisive late strike but none managed to net a third which undoubtedly disappointed Villa more given that victory would have virtually locked in their top five position.