Aston Villa held to a draw by Burnley; Watkins: If you can't win, at least don't lose.

Aston Villa, after trailing in the 36th round of the 2025/26 Premier League season, rallied to take the lead thanks to goals from Ross Barkley and Watkins, but conceded again later in the game, ultimately drawing 2-2 with Burnley. Watkins stated that facing physically fit opponents is always difficult, but also added that if you can't win, you have to make sure you don't lose.

In the 8th minute, Ugochuu received the ball and took a long-range shot, but it was parried by Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Jaedon Anthony then followed up and scored, giving Burnley a 1-0 lead. In the 42nd minute, McGinn took a corner kick, and Ross Barkley headed the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 for Aston Villa.

In the 56th minute of the second half, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez delivered a long pass, and Watkins slid in to score, giving Aston Villa a 2-1 lead over Burnley. In the 58th minute, Hannibal Maybri backheeled the ball, and Zian Fleming slotted it home, leveling the score at 2-2 for Burnley.

Ultimately, Aston Villa were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley at Moa Stadium.

Aston Villa striker Watkins said: "It was a tough game, very tough. As you've seen in recent weeks, I think they've become stronger. Manchester City only managed a narrow 1-0 victory here, so this stadium is always tough to conquer. It's good to get a point after conceding the first goal, but we're still disappointed because we took the lead at one point and then let the victory slip away."

“We had an incredible victory in the European competition a few days ago, and those kinds of matches are very demanding. It’s really difficult to get back into the game and get back into shape just 48 hours later. We were facing a physically strong team that wanted to prove themselves by getting as many points as possible before the end of the season.”

Watkins said, "It's always difficult against teams that didn't play midweek and are more physically fit. But ultimately I think it's a good point; if we can't win, at least we shouldn't lose."

When discussing the goal, Watkins said, "It was a long pass over the top, and the ball actually hit my shoulder first. I was disappointed with the offside goal in the first half because I felt it was a very brilliant team goal."

"But then Emiliano Martinez came to me, and the opposing goalkeeper's rush out made me make a decision immediately."

Furthermore, Aston Villa will host Liverpool in their next league match, which will have a significant impact on the Champions League qualification race.

Watkins noted, "Next we'll be back at Villa Park against Liverpool. We always play well at home, so it'll be tough for them. We always manage to cause them trouble, and it'll be a fun final home game of the season."

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