Credit: Imago

Evan Shaw

Mon 11 May 2026 8:00, UK

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Aston Villa missed a huge chance to all but secure Champions League qualification as they were held to a 2-2 draw away at Burnley on Sunday afternoon.

Unai Emery’s side led in the second half at Turf Moor, but were ultimately unable to find a way past the managerless, already relegated Clarets away from home.

Jaidon Anthony opened the scoring for the hosts in just the eighth minute, before Ross Barkley levelled on the stroke of half-time, Ollie Watkins and Zian Flemming then exchanged a pair of quickfire strikes just before the hour mark.

The Villans saw late appeals for a penalty waved away when Emiliano Buendia was brought down inside the box in the final minute of the 90, as they were denied a huge chance to win the game from the spot.

Villa’s draw with Burnley has left them short of rubber-stamping their place in the Champions League for next term, and they still need to take points from their final two Premier League games.

Emiliano Buendia delivers ‘play on’ message after penalty shout

Buendia thought he had earned the chance for his team to snatch a late winner in Lancashire, when he burst into the box in the 90th minute and was caught on the ankle by Kyle Walker.

The veteran’s challenge prompted strong appeals from the Villa players, but referee Anthony Taylor was unmoved by their protests against the tackle.

VAR official Jarred Gillett conducted a brief review of the incident, but he also concluded that the contact was not enough for a spot-kick to be awarded.

That decision came much to the frustration of Buendia, who has since taken to Instagram to vent his anger over the call.

The Argentine shared a series of photos from the game on Sunday night, including one from inside the away dressing room, showing the ankle and heel of his sock ripped from Walker’s challenge.

The attacking midfielder simply accompanied his post with the caption of: “Play on,” followed by a nervous emoji.

Villa defender Lucas Digne has since replied to the post with an emoji of a hand over a face.

Buendia has played himself towards new deal at Aston Villa

Football Insider revealed in April that Villa are set to sit down with Buendia and discuss a new contract at the end of the season, as he will enter the final year of his current deal this summer.

The 29-year-old had looked destined to leave Villa Park last summer, but has since enjoyed a resurgence this season, with Emery now determined to keep hold of him long-term.

Buendia has notched 18 goal involvements across all competitions, and sources have indicated that he has been totally content with his role in the squad, despite only starting 19 league games.

His form has convinced Emery and his staff that he will be a crucial part of their plans once again next term, and the club are now prepared to ensure that they do not risk losing him on a free transfer.

Buendia has been able to completely turn his fortunes around in recent months, and he is now set to reap the rewards at the end of the campaign.