Aston Villa player ratings vs Burnley: Donyell Malen takes his chance, 3/10 terrible again
Aston Villa beat Burnley 2-1 on Sunday to make it four consecutive wins across all competitions.
Donyell Malen scored either side of the break to put the home side into a commanding lead, but Lesley Ugochukwu’s header made for a nervy finish at Villa Park.
Unai Emery had been under huge pressure at Villa, but the Spaniard has avoided imminent questions surrounding his future for now,
Villa were the favourites against Burnley, and showed it with a dominant performance in the Premier League.
Donyell Malen stuns vs Burnley
Malen has impressed for Villa this season, but starts have been hard to come by for the winger.
After another strong performance against Feyenoord on Thursday, however, Emery handed him the opportunity, and the Dutchman repaid his manager’s faith.
His first goal was excellently taken, capitalising on the space between the Burnley defenders to latch onto Boubacar Kamara‘s pass before slotting past Martin Dubravka.
But his second was even better. Morgan Rogers found the winger, who burst into the box before smashing a fantastic finish into the bottom corner.
Emery has often opted for new signing Evann Guessand on the right of the attack this season, but the 26-year-old will have really given his manager something to think about.
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Ollie Watkins falters vs Burnley
Ollie Watkins had looked to be back in form when the striker found his first goal of the season against Fulham, but he was largely anonymous on Sunday.
Taking just two shots that both went off target, the England international also misplaced six of his passes and failed to win five of his ground duels.
Upon his exit from the pitch, Watkins had lost the ball a startling 11 times amid a difficult day for the forward.
Up against the worst defence in the Premier League, statistically, Watkins may have expected to be afforded more space.
| Ollie Watkins | Vs Burnley |
| Minutes played | 67 |
| Accurate passes | 9/15 |
| Shot accuracy | 0% |
| Dispossessed | 2 |
| Ground duels won | 1/6 |
| Fouls | 1 |
| Possession lost | 11 |
But the 29-year-old was well marshalled throughout his time on the pitch, and could not leave any impression before he was substituted in the 67th minute.
Emery will hope a positive international break with England can see Watkins back on the scoresheet, and back in form for the return of the Premier League.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Burnley
Emi Martinez – 5
Matty Cash – 4
Ezri Konsa – 6
Pau Torres – 5
Lucas Digne – 5
Lamare Bogarde – 6
Boubacar Kamara – 8
John McGinn – 6
Donyell Malen – 9
Morgan Rogers – 7
Ollie Watkins – 3
Substitutes
Evann Guessand – 5
Emi Buendia – 5
Victor Lindelof – 5
Ross Barkley – 5
Amadou Onana – N/A
Ian Maatsen – N/A
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