Burnley vs Aston Villa player ratings as Wout Weghorst's struggles continue while Maxwel Cornet makes the difference from the bench
Burnley’s unbeaten run under Premier League Manager of the Month nominee Mike Jackson came to an end against Aston Villa at Turf Moor.
Ex-Clarets striker Danny Ings opened the scoring in the seventh minute when calmly finishing past Nick Pope after Emiliano Buendia’s pass split Nathan Collins and Connor Roberts.
Buendia then added a second for the Villans just after the half-hour mark when Dwight McNeil failed to spot Lucas Digne’s overlapping run, the Frenchman pulled the ball back to the penalty spot where his Argentine team-mate, formerly of Norwich City, side-footed home via a deflection off the heel of James Tarkowski.
Steven Gerrard’s side then emulated their start to the game after the break when netting seven minutes into the second half. This time it was Ollie Watkins on the scoresheet as the forward powered a header from John McGinn’s delivery beyond Pope from close range.
But with the fight for survival threatening to go right down to the wire, substitute Maxwel Cornet netted what could prove to be a vital consolation in stoppage time when taking the ball around Emi Martinez from an Erik Pieters pass and rifling a finish into the roof of the net.
It finished 3-1. Here are the ratings.
Steven Gerrard’s side then emulated their start to the game after the break when netting seven minutes into the second half. This time it was Ollie Watkins on the scoresheet as the forward powered a header from John McGinn’s delivery beyond Pope from close range.
9. Wout Weghorst 4.5
The Dutchman can't buy a goal at the moment and, boy, how Burnley could do with some right now. The ex-Wolfsburg forward had a couple of half-chances in the first half, when firing wide on the turn before a header dropped just wide of the upright. Wasn't in the game at all after the break. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
10. Ashley Barnes 4.5
Back in the starting XI for the first time since September, but struggled to make an impression. Konsa and Mings won't have many easier afternoons as Burnley's forwards failed to lay a glove. Fired well over in the first half and registered a shot on target when Martinez was forced to readjust to get hold of his effort down to his left hand side. Replaced by Pieters with 20 minutes remaining. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
11. Kevin Long 5
Thrown into action with Villa well in command and looking to build on their 2-0 lead. Wasn't anywhere near for the visitors' third, as McGinn lifted the ball above and beyond the two centre backs, leaving Watkins with an easy finish. Did okay, without really making too much of a difference. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Livesey
12. Maxwel Cornet 6
Made a bit of a difference when coming on, with Konsa and Mings both having to stretch their legs for a change. Always looking to play on the shoulder to get in-behind, with several balls from midfield failing to pick out his run. However, his perseverance paid off when finally played through on goal and the Ivorian kept his cool to take the ball around Martinez before firing into the roof of the net. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY