Malen delivered the goals, but ‘superb’ Aston Villa brute showed why Emery refused to sell this summer

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Donyell Malen scored twice as Aston Villa defeated Burnley in the Premier League, but it was another player who also impressed for Unai Emery.

The Villans earned their second Premier League win of the season against the Clarets, marking Emery’s third victory in just ten days.

It was an unlikely goal scorer in Donyell Malen who bagged a double, with the Dutch forward scoring his first brace in England and his first goal in 15 games.

But as good as the former Borussia Dortmund star was, another Villa player’s efforts against Burnley cannot go unnoticed.

Boubacar Kamara sensational for Aston Villa vs Burnley

The goalscorer will naturally take most of the plaudits – and rightly so – but a lot of credit has to be given to Villa’s towering defensive midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

The 25-year-old won absolutely everything, winning five out of five duels in the first half alone. Burnley players simply couldn’t get past him.

Kamara was dominant throughout, and beyond his defensive capabilities, he showed his attacking value with a “superb” assist for his Dutch teammate.

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Tottenham and Arsenal wanted Kamara in the summer, but Villa were not entertaining interest, instead rewarding Kamara with a new contract. A correct decision.

It’s remarkable to think Villa signed Kamara for nothing, joining from Marseille in 2022 after his contract expired.

The Burnley fixture was another indication that he deserves to be one of the first names on the teamsheet under Emery.

Kamara stats vs Burnley in the Premier League

Kamara’s dominant display was reflected in the stats from the Premier League fixture.

The international break now gives Kamara and Villa a well-deserved rest before they travel to Tottenham Hotspur, where Emery will aim for a third consecutive win.

After a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign, things are finally looking up for Aston Villa.