Premier League GW20 - Aston Villa vs Burnley

Aston Villa vs Burnley | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Aston Villa and Burnley faced off in a thrilling Premier League match that turned into a football extravaganza at Villa Park in the penultimate moments of 2023. There was no denying the intensity with which both clubs wanted to finish the year strong.

Aston Villa:

Villa is a strong third in the table going into this matchup between the clarets, but Unai Emery's team has had a difficult run of play over the Christmas break. After a thrilling 1-1 draw with Sheffield United and a 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in most recent encounter, their respective runs of three straight victories and six games without a loss came to an end.

Burnley:

Burnley, currently in second place, is five points behind Everton in 17th position and might drop out of the Championship if they don't regain their form from when they swept out of the competition the previous year. Vincent Kompany's Clarets did, however, draw 1-1 at Brighton and won their previous away game, so there will be optimism that the Lancashire team can take advantage of Villa's recent setbacks.

Line up:

ASTON VILLA (4-4-1-1):

Emiliano Martinez; Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Clement Lenglet, Alex Moreno; Leon Bailey, John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey; Moussa Diaby; Ollie Watkins.

ASTON VILLA SUBS: Filip Marschall, Pau Torres, Calum Chambers, Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran, Leander Dendoncker, Tim Iroegbunam, Sam Proctor.

BURNLEY (4-4-2):

James Trafford; Vitinho, Dara O’Shea, Jordan Beyer, Charlie Taylor; Wilson Odobert, Sander Berge, Josh Brownhill, Johann Gudmundsson; Lyle Foster, Zeki Amdouni.

BURNLEY SUBS: Arijanet Muric, Jay Rodriguez, Connor Roberts, Nathan Redmond, Aaron Ramsey, Mike Tresor, Jacob Bruun Larsen, Hannes Delcroix, Michael Obafemi.

Villa Park Stadium | Picture Credits: The Guardian

First Half: Rollercoaster of Emotions

Both teams had brilliant moments in the first half, which demonstrated how unpredictable football can be. Third-placed Villa came up against a tenacious Burnley team who had just won an important away game against Fulham. Watkins tested Burnley's Trafford with a well-placed volley to open the action and set the tone for an exciting match.

In the 28th minute, Watkins showed off his ability to create plays by finding Bailey with a pinpoint ball. Villa took a 1-0 lead as the Jamaican attacker sent a shot into the top corner. But Burnley answered right away in the thirty-first minute. Gudmundsson's free kick was intercepted by O'Shea, who skillfully flicked it on, setting Amdouni up for a volley. The score quickly changed from 0-0 to 1-1, indicating a thrilling contest.

The goal by Foster of Burnley was disallowed for offside, and Villa took the lead again in the forty-twoth minute. Another attack was planned by Watkins, who cut the ball back for Diaby, who put it into the far corner with composure. Although it created tension, the VAR review for offside against Watkins finally verified Villa's 2-1 advantage.

Both sides demonstrated their offensive prowess as the first half came to an end, producing a spectacle that promised more thrills.

Second Half: Drama Unfolds

Foster of Burnley called for a penalty kick to start the second half, but the referee dismissed the appeals. Martinez was put to the test by Burnley's Amdouni, who showed perseverance by taking a well-placed shot.

Burnley was reduced to ten men in the 56th minute after Berge was given a second yellow card. In the 71st minute, Burnley equalised despite having less players. Foster's well-executed finish, set up by Gudmundsson's header, made it 2-2. Drama was increased by VAR's confirmation of the goal.

Villa made a strong effort to win, but Watkins and Diaby were unable to capitalise. The game-changing incident occurred in the 86th minute when Bailey was fouled by Aaron Ramsey and awarded a penalty. When Douglas Luiz went up, he struck the crossbar twice but still managed to find the net, giving Villa a thrilling 3-2 lead.

Aston Villa Triumphs in Spectacular Fashion

Aston Villa emerged victorious 3-2, capping an incredible match that ended with the last whistle. Although Burnley's ten-man tenacity added to the entertainment, Douglas Luiz's late penalty proved to be the game-winning kick. Villa demonstrated their attacking power and finished 2023 in second position, but Burnley had a difficult time getting out of the relegation zone.

As 2023 draws to a close, Villa and Burnley provide football fans with an unforgettable show, paving the way for an exciting 2024.

Bailey scored a goal and gave Villa a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Amdouni scored a goal for Burnley and levelled the score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Diaby's goal gave Villa a 2-1 lead before the half time | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Foster netted a goal and equalised the score again for Burnley | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Luiz scored a goal through penalty and seized the victory for Villa | Picture Credits: Premier League Website