Moussa Diaby turned in another sterling performance to continue his brilliant start at Aston Villa, scoring once and assisting once en route to a 3-1 victory over Burnley on Sunday.
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Unai Emery’s side picked up right where they left off midweek, when they hammered Scottish side Hibernian 5-0 in Europa Conference League qualifying. By the time 20 minutes had gone, Aston Villa were 2-0 up after showcasing some devastating counter-attacking football.
Matty Cash was the scorer of an unlikely early brace, as the Aston Villa right back got on the end of crosses from Ollie Watkins and Diaby. Goal no. 1 came in the 8th minute, and it looked like the chance had gone after Watkins took a long touch and lost his angle to shoot on goal, only to hook the ball across goal for Cash to slide in and turn it home. The second goal was exactly as designed, with Diaby overlapping and cutting a cross back to Cash, who smashed it home at the near post for 2-0.
Burnley wasted no time to start the second half. Lyle Foster brought a bouncing ball down, turned and smashed a left-footed volley past Robin Olsen to make it 2-1.
The two-goal lead was eventually restored, though, as Aston Villa left no doubt over the fact that all three points would be heading home with them. Lucas Digne streaked down the left side and found Diaby with a square ball on the edge of the penalty area. Diaby put his left foot through the ball, kept it low and placed it perfectly inside the far post.
Game. Set. Match.
What’s next?
Aston Villa will host Hibs in the second leg on Thursday, before heading to Anfield to take on Liverpool next Sunday (9 am ET) in their final games before the September international break. Burnley won’t face any easier opposition next weekend either, with unbeaten Tottenham visiting Turf Moor on Saturday (10 am ET).
How to watch Burnley vs Aston Villa live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 9 am ET, Sunday (August 27)
Online: Watch online via NBCSports.com
From our friends at FotMob.com…
Your Burnley team today! 📋 pic.twitter.com/AKqzDIroxX
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) August 27, 2023
Your Aston Villa this afternoon. 👊 pic.twitter.com/Irofd2lcj0
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) August 27, 2023
Aston Villa injuries
OUT: Emiliano Buendia (torn ACL - out for season), Tyrone Mings (torn ACL - out for season), Philippe Coutinho (hamstring), Leander Dendoncker (undisclosed), Jacob Ramsey (foot) | QUESTIONABLE: Emiliano Martinez (undisclosed), Alex Moreno (hamstring)
Burnley injuries
OUT: Anass Zaroury (suspension), Darko Churilnov (undisclosed) Michael Obafemi (hamstring) | QUESTIONABLE: Jordan Beyer (thigh)