Analysis: Emery's team turning corner

Villa boss Emery cut a disconsolate figure after watching his team labour to a 1-1 draw at newly promoted Sunderland on 21 September, even describing aspects of his team's performance at the Stadium of Light as "lazy".

Fast forward two weeks, however, and last season's Champions League quarter-finalists appear to be rediscovering their groove, although there is still ample room for improvement.

While the early stages of Sunday's game were not exactly one-sided, the hosts created by far the better chances and could have taken the lead before Malen's 25th-minute effort.

Ollie Watkins should have turned home Malen's flick inside the six-yard box, while Ezri Konsa had a free header parried behind by Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

Rogers, who looked much sharper than in recent weeks, also had a curling effort deflected wide by veteran full-back Kyle Walker, before Malen settled Villa nerves midway through the half with a fine finish.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has struggled in front of goal since netting in three successive league games back in April, but the double will do his and Villa's confidence no end of good as Emery's side look to put their early season woes behind them.

The Spaniard, though, will be frustrated with the manner of Burnley's late goal, with Ugochukwu left completely unmarked and unchallenged to nod home Quilindschy Hartman's corner.

That set up a nervous final few minutes for the home side, but the visitors were unable to complete the fightback and needed Dubravka to make a wonderful save just before the end to keep out Lucas Digne's rasping strike.

The game ended on a sour note for Villa, though, as Emi Buendia was forced off with a head injury after being caught by Zian Flemming.