Aston Villa fell to defeat against Burnley after the home side come back twice on the night to take all three points.
Dean Smith welcomed back John McGinn following his suspension as Marvelous Nakamba dropped to the bench.
Villa have managed just a single point against Burnley despite dominating them twice in two months. Wasted chances and poor defending ultimately cost the boys from B6
Tika-taka Villa
Villa’s first chance came after just three minutes when Ezri Konsa headed a Ross Barkley cross over the bar.
The away side soon took the lead following Ollie Watkins second goal in as many games. Jack Grealish fed Matt Targett down the left, with the latter whipping in a low cross which Watkins was able to beat Ben Mee to and steer the ball into the far corner.
The tika-taka style of football from Smith’s men was a joy to watch as they skillfully carved open chance after chance but were unable to build upon their lead.
Barkley came close but his left-footed volley cannoned off the woodwork. As the minutes in the first half ran down, Villa continued to pile on the pressure. Mee was able to block Bertrand Traore’s effort and then Nick Pope denied Tyrone Mings.
Burnley take control
Burnley came out the second half a lot more solid and more ‘Burnley like’. And what I mean by ‘Burnley like’ was high-intensity work rate and the fight and desire to be first in every challenge.
It took just seven minutes of the second half for the home side to draw level despite creating very little. Mee was able to rise, unmarked and meet an Ashley Westwood cross past Emi Martinez.
Grealish then took things into his own hands when Martinez fed him from a throwout and the England International went on a fantastic run, which led him to be one on one with Pope but the England goalkeeper once again denied Villa.
Villa were soon back in the lead through Grealish who scored his sixth league goal of the campaign. Captain Jack found Douglas Luiz on the right and then raced forward to meet the Brazilian internationals return pass to slot home.
But once again Burnley were level with 15 minutes to go. Burnley continued to double up on Matty Cash who was left exploited as Traore struggled to get back and help with his defensive duties. Dwight McNeil’s cross evaded everyone in the box before creeping in at the far post.
And then with just four minutes left on the clock Dyche’s men were ahead. Chris Wood met McNeil’s cross and headed in off the post.
Villa will struggle to get over this one but they must do, and quickly. We can’t afford any hangovers as the games continue to come thick and fast with another away trip on the cards this Saturday at Southampton.
The post Burnley 3-2 Aston Villa – Wasteful Villa fall to defeat appeared first on AVFC – Avillafan.com – Aston Villa Fansite, Blog, & Forum...