- Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa
- Jaidon Anthony (9′)
- Ross Barkley (42′)
After an initial shock, Aston Villa equalised just before half-time to to makes things 1-1.
A quiet atmosphere welcomed Villa to Turf Moor. They looked to make inroads early as a chance fell to Morgan Rogers. John McGinn played a superb ball to split the Burnley defenders, but the 23-year-old dragged his shot wide.
It was Jaidon Anthony who took the lead for the home side. After Villa attacked, they were left vulnerable on the counter which Burnley took advantage of. Lesley Ugochukwu struck a tame shot at Emi Martinez who parried it into the path of Anthony to tap in.
After a slow start by the Villans, they began to dominate possession. A couple of nicely worked passages of play weren’t able to come to fruition, but they started to move the ball a lot better.
But then, a golden opportunity came to Zian Flemming. Ian Maatsen was easily beaten down the right by Loum Tchamouna, who managed to cross the ball into the box into a dangerous area. After Ezri Konsa slipped, Flemming had a free shot, but somehow managed to blast wide.
Villa once again found some control and continued to knock on the door. They created a few chances, before Ollie Watkins had a goal disallowed for offside. Rogers fizzed a ball into the box and the striker found the back of the net, but his left foot was slightly ahead of the Burnley defender.
Only a few minutes later Villa finally equalised. John McGinn placed the perfect ball at the near post for Ross Barkley to flick into the far corner.
Villa looked threatening before the half-time whistle blew.
Burnley 1-1 Aston Villa HT
Here’s ReadAstonVilla’s half-time ratings:
Emi Martinez – 5
Not had much to do in the first half, but made an error that led to the opener. For his standards, he should have done a lot better.
Matty Cash – 5
The most advanced of the full-backs, allowing McGinn to drift into the No 10. Found himself in space but has put poor crosses into the box.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Made 41/41 passes and won all of his ground duels. Not at fault for the goal, so an all round solid first half display.
Tyrone Mings – 5
Seems a bit too casual at times, and has lost all three of his ground duels. Been on the ball a lot, but played mostly sideways passes.
Ian Maatsen – 4
Been beaten far too easily by Tchaouna on numerous occasions and seemed to struggle physically as well. Not been able to get forward too often, needs to improve significantly.
Victor Lindelöf – 6
More of a passenger in the opening 45 minutes. Hasn’t had to do much defensively and filled in at right-back when Villa have the ball.
Youri Tielemans – 5
Far too sloppy in possession than his usual self. Won only two out of his five ground duels, and seems a bit slow when getting to the ball.
John McGinn – 6
Has managed to find himself in space when he drifts inside, and at times has worked the ball nicely. But the pace on his passes has been a bit slow. Placed a great corner for Barkley to flick on.
Ross Barkley – 7
Looked sharp when trying to pick the pockets and find space. Probably Villa’s best player, and did well to guide his header into the far corner for the equaliser.
Morgan Rogers – 6
Not been on the ball too often in the areas Villa would have liked. Misplaced a few passes, and hasn’t linked up well with Maatsen. Needs to impact the game a bit more.
Ollie Watkins – 6
Has worked very hard as usual. Unlucky to have his goal chalked off for a good header. Hasn’t had too much service for any opportunities.
