Aston Villa's winless run in the Premier League was stretched to nine games by a 1-1 draw with Burnley this afternoon
Villa went ahead towards the end of the first half when Joe Cole turned in Andreas Weimann's cross.
The visitors looked set to claim the three points until Jores Okore gave away a penalty for dragging down Lukas Jutkiewicz, and Danny Ings stepped up to fire home from the spot with time running out.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded at Turf Moor.
Match Statistics:
BURNLEY:
Shots 11
On Target 4
Possession 47%
Corners 1
Fouls 8
ASTON VILLA:
Shots 18
On Target 7
Possession 53%
Corners 5
Fouls 8
Was the result fair?
The final score was very harsh on Villa, who dominated the game for large spells and created plenty of chances throughout. They had not won in their previous eight league fixtures, but started brightly and did not show any lack of confidence. However, they were unable to add to their lead and paid the price by giving away a poor goal late on. Burnley must be given some credit for salvaging a draw in the dying moments and they very nearly claimed all three points in stoppage time when Ings hit the post.
Burnley's performance
The Clarets came into the match after winning their first two games of the season, but they were second best this afternoon. They struggled to keep hold of possession and were lucky to head into the break just a goal down. It was a much better performance after the interval and they created some decent chances that troubled the Villa defence. As the game wore on, they seemed short of ideas and it looked as if they were heading towards a defeat until Ings scored from the spot. Sean Dyche will have been delighted by the spirit shown by his players to earn a draw that maintains their recent good run of form.
Aston Villa's performance
Villa will have been disappointed that they could not have turned a decent performance into three points today. They provided a genuine threat going forward and were solid at the back until the final minutes. In the end, though, they were left ruing a string of missed chances that keep them firmly in the relegation battle. Changes will certainly have to be made in the January transfer window, as a return of three goals in nine-winless matches is by no means good enough.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Joe Cole: The midfielder made his first Premier League start for Villa and capped it with a well-taken goal in the first half. All of their best play came through him and he enjoyed some decent link up play with Gabriel Agbonlahor. He could prove to be a very important player for the club if he rediscovers the form of his Chelsea and England days.
Biggest gaffe
This must go to Okore for his foul on Jutkiewicz that gave away the penalty. The Danish international was having a decent game before he dragged down the Burnley frontman just inside the box. He was lucky to receive just a yellow card, but his team were not so fortunate as Ings found the net.
Referee's performance
Graham Scott was taking charge of his first match in the Premier League and it threatened to get away from him after he handed out five yellow cards in the first half. He did not end up showing anyone a red, and did make the right decision in awarding Burnley a penalty. Recovered well.
What next?
Burnley: The Clarets welcome Newcastle United to Turf Moor on Tuesday evening.
Aston Villa: Villa are also in action on Tuesday when they travel to London to play Queens Park Rangers.
Alex Meyers
