Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa held to draw at relegated Burnley

Aston Villa suffered a European hangover as they could only draw 2-2 with relegated Burnley at Turf Moor.

Three days after booking their spot in the Europa League final with a thumping victory over Nottingham Forest, Villa were frustrated by a spirited display from the Clarets, who had lost five straight matches.

Swathes of empty seats reflected what a miserable season it has been for Burnley at home, but Jaidon Anthony gave them an early lead and Zian Flemming clinched a point in the second half after Ross Barkley and Ollie Watkins had scored for the visitors.

A point means Villa are not yet assured of Champions League qualification through the league, although they are four points ahead of Bournemouth with only two games to play.

Villa boss Unai Emery only made three changes from Thursday, with Barkley, Tyrone Mings and Ian Maatsen coming in, while Burnley interim boss Michael Jackson opted for six alterations from the side beaten by Leeds nine days ago, including a return from three months out injured for Axel Tuanzebe.

Morgan Rogers pulled an early shot well wide but most of the early pressure belonged to the hosts, with Loum Tchaouna – one of those brought into the side – a real threat down the right.

It was from his run that Burnley opened the scoring in the eighth minute, with Tchaouna playing the ball across to Lesley Ugochukwu, whose shot was parried by Emiliano Martinez into the path of Anthony.

Rogers had a shot deflected over and Maatsen scuffed one wide as Villa looked to respond, but they were fortunate not to be two down in the 28th minute.

Tchaouna again got away down the right and crossed for Flemming, who was afforded space after a slip by Ezri Konsa but fired wide.

Villa began to take control as the