Burnley move out of drop zone with gritty draw at Villa

BIRMINGHAM, England, May 19 (Reuters) – Burnley moved out of the relegation zone following a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa on Thursday, keeping their Premier League survival in their own hands heading into the final day of the season.

A cool penalty by Burnley striker Ashley Barnes and several superb saves by keeper Nick Pope earned Mike Jackson’s side a crucial point in their battle to survive as they climbed to 17th in the table on 35 points.

A home win over Newcastle United on Sunday would ensure Burnley avoid the drop regardless of what 18th-placed Leeds United do at Brentford. The two sides are level on points but Burnley have a vastly superior goal difference.

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“It’s not mission accomplished. The least we wanted was a point. We’re a little disappointed not to get the three,” Burnley interim manager Mike Jackson told the BBC.

“Everything I’ve seen tonight is what this group does. They’ve had to dig in, they’ve had to work. We’ll need it again on Sunday.”

Midfielder John McGinn nearly opened the scoring for Villa in the 17th minute with a curling shot from the edge of the box, but Pope clawed the ball away.

Barnes put Burnley ahead just before halftime, sending Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez the wrong way with a low penalty into the corner after Burnley were awarded a spot-kick for a foul on Maxwel Cornet by Emiliano Buendia.

The visitors, however, did not lead for long as Buendia made up for conceding the penalty when he equalised in the 48th minute with an excellent first-time shot from inside the box.

Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill’s fine strike from long range was brilliantly saved by Martinez who also stopped a close-range effort from Connor Roberts five minutes from time.

Villa dominated the closing stages and in stoppage time Pope did well to block an effort by forward Danny Ings, who had scored on each of his four previous Premier League appearances against Burnley.

“Nick Pope is getting better and better,” Jackson said of his keeper who produced eight saves, the joint-most he has made in a single Premier League game.

“He’s playing out of his skin. He’s been unbelievable for us.”

Villa, who have won only two of their last 10 Premier League games, remained 14th in the table.

“Honours are even because of Nick Pope. He was outstanding. He’s helped his team get a point,” Villa manager Steven Gerrard said.

“Moving forward, this club cannot finish 14th again. We need to change things and come back better and stronger next season.

“Their keeper is probably man of match for them but we need to be better. We need to have more quality and answers.”

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Reporting by Anita Kobylinska, editing by Ed Osmond

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