Aston Villa‘s hopes of securing a Champions League place for next season were dealt a blow as they were held to a draw by already-relegated Burnley at Turf Moor.
Jaidon Anthony gave the hosts an early lead before Ross Barkley levelled on the stroke of half-time. Ollie Watkins then put the visitors in front in after the break before Zian Flemming equalised moments later.
After the euphoria of reaching the Europa League final on Thursday, Villa failed to build on that result, leaving their chances of finishing in the top four in the balance with two games remaining.
With little to play for in their remaining matches, Burnley will be looking to avoid finishing bottom of the pile as they prepare for life in the Championship next season.
A sluggish Villa start
After a slow start from the visitors, Anthony gave the already-downed clarets the lead inside 10 minutes. Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez failed to hold onto Lesley Ugochukwu’s shot from distance, parrying the ball out to the winger, who was on hand to lash home.
Flemming then wasted a glorious opportunity to double the hosts lead before a rejuvenated Villa eventually found their feet after going behind.
First Ollie Watkins saw his header ruled out on 38 minutes, but, just moments later, Barkley was on hand to nod in the equaliser from a corner.
Two goals in quick succession
After the break, Flemming was inches from connecting to Hannibal’s driven cross before Watkins completed the turnaround when the England striker ran between both Burnley centre-halves to touch Martinez’s long ball over the top into the net.
But just when Villa looked to be on top, it was third-time lucky for Flemming, who finished well after an incisive Burnley move top again draw the side level.
John McGinn, Douglas Luiz and Zeki Amdouni then all saw good chances go begging as both teams went in search of a win.
However, there were to be further goals as Villa boss Unai Emery cut a frustrated figure on the touchline at full-time, knowing it was perhaps two valuable points dropped.
