AFC Bournemouth snatched a point at Villa Park as a goal six minutes into stoppage time denied Aston Villa another Premier League win. The disappointing result for Villa means they missed the chance to increase the gap between them and the teams sat outside the top four.
Match Review
Aston Villa started the game very well and looked like a constant threat in the opening fifteen minutes. Both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers spurned decent opportunities. Bournemouth keeper Mark Travers was forced into action a lot during the first half. He denied an Amadou Onana header from close range following a clever free kick routine by the home side, as well as tipping over Ezri Konsa's thunderbolt from the edge of the box.
The home side thought they had taken the lead just before the half an hour mark after John McGinn whipped in a curling effort into the far corner with his left foot. However, VAR ruled out the goal after it was adjudged that the ball had gone off the pitch in the build-up. Ollie Watkins attempted to keep in Jacob Ramsey's cross and was unable to do so.
Bournemouth had a couple of long rang efforts that kept Emi Martinez on his toes, particularly the striker from Justin Kluivert. Villa though were fairly comfortable and were just missing the final end product.
The first half saw seven yellow cards dished out, with three of those going to Villa. Amadou Onana was one of those to pick up a booking, and he was replaced at half time by Ross Barkley as a result.
The second half felt fairly flat and the game seemed destine for a draw, despite Villa's occasional attempts to force the issue. Jhon Duran came on in place of Morgan Rogers just before the hour marks and the super-sub missed a glorious chance to give his team the lead. Clever play down the left from Jacob Ramsey created the space to play the ball to Watkins and his first time pass landed at the feet of Duran just inside the box. With the goal at his mercy, he wrapped his powerful left-footed shot around the post.
With fifteen minutes to go Villa took the lead. A rather scrappy goal saw Ross Barkley turn home Leon Bailey's nod down from close range. Despite not being at their best and looking fatigued following another successful European evening on Tuesday, it looked as though Villa had done enough to claim the three points.
The final few minutes saw Villa give away several needless free kicks down Bournemouth's left-hand side as a result of their desperate attempts to see out the game. The fourth foul in quick succession was as a result of Ross Barkley's clumsy diving challenge, and he quickly turned from hero to Villain. At the fourth time of asking, in the 96th minute of the game, Bournemouth forward Evanilson met the cross, and guided his unmarked header into the far corner past a helpless Emi Martinez.
Player Ratings
Emi Martinez - Made to work hard on occasion in the first half, but particularly in the second half, Martinez did all he could. Distribution of the ball was as good as ever, and had no chance with the equalizing goal. 7
Matty Cash - Fortunate to not give away a penalty in the final ten minutes, Cash again struggled down the right-hand side. Offered very little in attack and struggled defensively up against Semenyo. 5
Ezri Konsa - Mr consistent was just that once more. Had a fairly faultless game and was comfortable for the majority. Did brilliantly to cut out the Bournemouth attack in the first half after Lucas Digne lost possession. 7
Pau Torres - Despite struggling again against the long ball, Torres was solid. He played a brilliant pass through to Ramsey in the first half to create a scoring opportunity and was calm and composed in possession throughout. 7
Lucas Digne - Didn't look as sharp as usual today. Lost out in possession easily at times and didn't pose a massive threat in attack. Replaced by Ian Maatsen with 20 minutes to play. 6
Amadou Onana - Struggled to impose himself on the game, and lost the ball several times towards the end of the first half. Rightly replaced at half time following a booking earlier in the half. 5
Youri Tielemans - Tielemans again proved to be one of Villa's brightest sparks. Constantly pulling the strings in midfield and creating opportunities going forward. 8
John McGinn - The captain slotted the ball into the net expertly in the first half, only for VAR to rule out the goal. Didn't have a huge impact on the game otherwise, but performed okay. 6
Jacob Ramsey - Ramsey has started to show the kinds of form that earned him such praise a couple of seasons ago. Caused a constant threat down the left-hand side and was pivotal in creating numerous attacking opportunities. 7
Morgan Rogers - Looked very fatigued after his brilliant performance in Tuesday's win over Bologna in the UEFA Champions League. Missed a good chance early on and gave away possession almost each time he had the ball. Not his day. 5
Ollie Watkins - Had a header well saved by Mark Travers in the Bournemouth goal and decided to pass when he should have had a shot himself early on in the game. Worked hard and played well. 7
Subs
Ross Barkley - After coming off the bench he looked to have won it for Villa with his goal. Looked tidy in possession and was on for an eight/nine out of ten. However, he needlessly gave away the free kick that led to the equalizing goal. 6
Jhon Duran - Missed the only clear-cut opportunity of the game minutes after coming onto the pitch. He was lively and worked hard, but really should have scored with his only opportunity. 6
Ian Maatsen - His cross led to the Villa goal and he again showed his qualities down the left. He clearly provides a different dynamic to that of Lucas Digne and will be pushing to start more regularly. 7
Leon Bailey - Bailey earned the assists as his cushioned header fell into Barkley's path for the opening goal. Otherwise, didn't influence the game. 6
Man of the Match
UTV