Aston Villa secured an impressive 3-1 win at Burnley on Saturday, with Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins scoring our goals.
Villa arrived at Turf Moor in confident mood off the back of our win over Norwich City last time out, and after a bright start, we scored a crucial early goal with Ings finding the back of the net against his former club.
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With Buendia doubling our lead before half-time, Watkins got in on the act too before a late consolation goal for the home side, but Steven Gerrard and the players will have been delighted with the performance and result as we look to now extend our good form against Liverpool in midweek.
Given Burnley are still in a relegation scrap, this was a tough fixture on paper, but Villa produced a top display to take command and return home with three important points.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Burnley
Emiliano Martinez, 7 – Will be disappointed that we couldn’t hang on for another clean sheet, but delivered when called into action and was an important part of a solid defensive performance.
Matty Cash, 8 – Defended well and pushed forward whenever possible to give us width and an attacking outlet down the right side.
Ezri Konsa, 7 – A couple of shaky moments on his return to the XI, but did well for the most part in a gritty rearguard display.
Tyrone Mings, 7 – Similar to Konsa in that he had a couple of situations where he could perhaps have done better, but overall, a solid shift that helped give us a foundation in the game to go on and win it.
Lucas Digne, 8 – Top defensive shift and got forward to provide an attacking threat too. Capped his afternoon off with an assist for our second goal with a perfect cut back pass.
John McGinn, 8 – Energetic as always, worked tirelessly in midfield to give us a foothold in the game. Great delivery into the box to find Watkins for our third goal.
Calum Chambers, 7 – Deployed in the defensive midfield position and did a fine job. Grew into the game as it went on and provided good protection for the backline.
Douglas Luiz, 7 – Looked comfortable and natural in a more advanced role in midfield as the push to play him as a No.6 hasn’t worked. Will be pleased with his effort as it gives Gerrard something to think about in terms of him being a regular in this new position.
Emiliano Buendia, 9 – Back in the starting XI and registered an assist and goal within 32 minutes. A top performance from the Argentine magician, as he showed his class with the through ball for Ings’ opener, and found dangerous pockets of space throughout which also helped him find the back of the net himself too.
Danny Ings, 8 – A really composed and top-class finish to break the deadlock, his movement and run in behind was key to allow Buendia to play him in. Continues to have a decisive impact on games and should be a regular starter now.
Ollie Watkins, 8 – A tireless effort off the ball as he led the way from the front in our pressing and pressure on Burnley while we were out of possession. Rounded off a great afternoon with our third goal to effectively kill the game as he took his header well.
Substitutes:
Carney Chukwuemeka, 6.5 – Came on in the latter stages and gave us fresh impetus and energy in our attacking play.
Ashley Young, 6.5 – Added calmness and experience as we saw the game out in what was an important late cameo.
Philippe Coutinho, N/A
