Aston Villa 2-2 Burnley

Aston Villa surrendered another lead, this time to Sean Dyche’s Burnley as the game finished 2-2 at Villa Park.

Dean Smith rewarded Conor Hourihane’s form with a return to the first team as Trezeguet dropped to the bench. Matt Targett also replaced Neil Taylor.

The hosts were twice pegged back after goals from Anwar El-Ghazi and John McGinn set the tone for a Villa side with only one win so far this season.

VAR strikes again

McGinn and indeed Villa Park thought he’d opened the scoring on the 30-minute mark as he converted from inside the box. But after celebrating his third of the season, it was chalked off by VAR.

Though Burnley’s resolve wouldn’t last for much longer as Frederic Guilbert assisted El-Ghazi’s second goal in as many home starts. He cleverly flicked the ball across goal to give Villa a slender half-time advantage.

Former West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez was introduced in the second period as Sean Dyche went in search for a reply. After a slow start from Villa, Burnley made their pressure count.

Erik Pieters crossed from the left flank towards Rodriguez who beat Neil Taylor at the far post, restoring parity for the Clarets.

Villa drop another lead

Burnley stifled Villa’s attack and nullified Wesley as he cut an elusive figure all afternoon, unlike the ever tenacious McGinn.

He didn’t get the rub of the green with VAR but the Scot did provide Villa with the lead once more ten minutes from time. After Trezeguet was brought off the bench, his natural width offered a new dynamic to a blunt Villa attack. His cross from the right flank was well converted by McGinn as he cushioned the ball past Nick Pope in the Burnley goal.

No sooner had Villa celebrated their goal, they were scratching their heads after ruing another blown lead. On his return to Villa Park, Matt Lawton crossed for Chris Wood to head in from yards out.

Villa have now dropped more points from winning positions than any other Premier League side this term.

They’ll look to get their first points on the road next weekend as Norwich entertain Dean Smith’s side.