Aston Villa Extends Winning Streak with Victory Over Burnley
Donyell Malen scored twice as Aston Villa extended their winning streak to four matches across all competitions with a victory over struggling Burnley.
After creating several early chances at Villa Park, Unai Emery's side took the lead when Boubacar Kamara delivered a defense-splitting pass to Malen, who found the bottom corner of the net. This marked the Dutchman's first goal of the season, with his last strike occurring in April against Southampton.
Returning goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who missed Thursday's 2-0 Europa League win over Feyenoord due to a calf issue, made a spectacular one-handed save, tipping Josh Cullen's low shot away as Burnley sought to equalize.
Villa continued to dominate and felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Morgan Rogers fell under a challenge from Axel Tuanzebe, but referee Andrew Kitchen dismissed the appeals for a foul on the England midfielder.
The second half was less eventful, but the hosts deservedly doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Malen, just moments before being substituted, struck Rogers' pass into the far corner for his second goal of the match.
Lesley Ugochukwu scored his first goal for Burnley to reduce the deficit with 12 minutes remaining; however, Villa secured consecutive league victories after a winless start to the season.
Aston Villa currently sits in 13th place, while Scott Parker's Burnley is third from the bottom, having gone five matches without a league win.
Aston Villa Analysis: Emery's Team Turning a Corner
Emery appeared disheartened after his team's laborious 1-1 draw against newly promoted Sunderland on September 21, even describing parts of the performance as "lazy." However, two weeks later, last season's Champions League quarter-finalists seem to be regaining their form, although there is still significant room for improvement.
While the early stages of the match were competitive, the hosts created the better opportunities, nearly taking the lead before Malen's 25th-minute strike. Ollie Watkins should have converted Malen's flick from inside the six-yard box, and Ezri Konsa had a free header saved by Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Rogers, appearing sharper than in recent weeks, also had a curling effort deflected wide by veteran full-back Kyle Walker, before Malen calmed Villa's nerves with a well-placed finish midway through the first half.
Despite struggling to find the net since scoring in three consecutive league games last April, Malen's brace will significantly boost his and Villa's confidence as they aim to move past their early-season struggles.
Emery, however, will be disappointed with Burnley's late goal, as Ugochukwu was left unmarked to head home Quilindschy Hartman's corner. This set up a tense final few minutes for the home side, but the visitors failed to equalize and needed Dubravka to make a fantastic save just before the end to deny Lucas Digne's powerful shot.
The match ended on a sour note for Villa, as Emi Buendia had to leave the field due to a head injury after a collision with Zian Flemming.
Upcoming Matches
Aston Villa: Villa will travel to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, October 19 (14:00 BST), followed by a Europa League match against Go Ahead Eagles four days later (17:45 BST).
Burnley: The Clarets will host Leeds at Turf Moor on Saturday, October 18 (15:00), before visiting Wolves on Sunday, October 26 (14:00 BST).