‘A good point but not enough’ – Emery laments Burnley draw but takes pride in Villa’s season

Unai Emery labelled Aston Villa’sdraw with Burnley as "a good point but not enough," despite it moving them one step closer to securing Champions League qualification.

Villa, fresh off booking their place in the Europa League final in midweek,came from behind toseala 2-2 draw at Turf Moor, with Ross Barkley cancelling out Jaidon Anthony’s opener in an entertaining first half.

Ollie Watkins put Villa ahead in the second half, butZian Flemming quickly levelled the scores in a fine move,securing the Clarets’first Premier League pointsince March 14.

The visitorsdominated possession for much of the match andwere denied astoppage-timepenalty as Emiliano Buendia was felled inside the box by Kyle Walker, leaving Emery slightly frustrated, though hemaintainedhis pride in Villa’s positive season.

"Overallwe dominated and had the chances to score," Emery told Sky Sports. "It’s a good point but not enough for us.

"I think we deserved more but we needed to be more clinical. We were attacking more in their half than defending in ours, but we conceded three clear chances and conceded two.

"It’s very difficult to finish in the top five but at the moment we can feel so proud of what we are doing.Overallit’ssomething fantastic.

"We keep going forward and play against Liverpool on Friday now. We are excited for our future matches, a final in the Europa League and Manchester City. Wow!"

Despite falling behind after just eight minutes to Anthony’s opener, Villa fought back to earn a point.

Emery’s side have now gained 20 points from losing positions in the league this year – the most of any side and their second-most in a single campaign in the competition after1993-94 (21).

Watkins, meanwhile, brought up a historic landmark for Villa, striking the club’s 1500th goal in the Premier Leagueand making them the ninth side to hit that figure.

On Watkins’ good form, Emery added: "He is doing fantastic,he is a fighter.

"Three months ago, he was a littledownbut we always have conversations about being consistent and working for the team every match. Now he is getting the numbers."

Burnley, meanwhile, were in action for the first time since their relegation was confirmed, and they turned outa fine performance, much to the delight of the Turf Moor faithful.

Despite fighting back to secure a draw, Sunday’s result extended the Clarets’ winless home run in the Premier League to 14 matches (D5 L9) –now their joint-longest ever run without a home league win in club history, equalling their run of 14 between February to October 2021.

"Really pleased with the result today, I’m happy for them as a group," interim boss Michael Jacksontold Sky Sports.

"What’sdone is done. What I’ve just said to themthereis ‘don’t let anyone tell youthat youcan’t do anything.’A lot of people keep doubtingthem,butthey’vecome back today, and they’vedone well.

"The players need to give something for themselves. Football is about the players, and we’rehere to help and guide them. They have togo and play the game."