AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Vitality Stadium
Follow live coverage as AFC Bournemouth face Aston Villa today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.
The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool will be chasing Pep Guardiola's side, but just as fascinating will be the race for Champions League places, with more teams than ever before having designs on top-four finishes. Chelsea remain big-spending, Manchester United's latest rebuild continues and both Tottenham and Newcastle will expect improvements this year - yet it was Aston Villa who snared fourth last term.
Meanwhile, it's Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
After Kerkez wins a corner-kick on the left side, Cook drives it towards the near post, where Onana is waiting to turn the ball behind. From Cook's second attempt, the ball bobbles around dangerously for a couple of seconds before Martinez moves through the pack and claims it.
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Muttering towards the referee about Cook's challenge, Onana is back on his feet as the action resumes. Moments later, play is paused again for a minor injury sustained by Kerkez. It's quite a niggly contest.
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Onana stays down after being clipped by Cook in midfield. He was Tielemans' replacement for today's game, so Emery will hope he can continue - though Barkley is available on the bench.
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Following a fairly tame first half, this second period has started more promisingly. Bournemouth are trying to move the ball more quickly, while Kluivert's introduction has given Villa's back four something different to think about.
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Half-time sub Kluivert makes a quick impact, dashing into the box and looking set to shoot. However, he topples over too easily when Martinez races out to narrow the angle, and his subsequent penalty claims are waved away.
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Teed up by Ramsey's persistent work on the edge of the area, Kamara takes aim and lines up a shot. However, he drags his attempt well wide of the right-hand post.
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Aston Villa kick off, and we are back under way at the Vitality Stadium!
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Bournemouth can't afford to lose this match, as they'd stay 10th behind Brentford and Brighton in the race for eighth place. That position should be enough to secure European qualification. Meanwhile, Villa are keeping themselves in the mix for a return to the Champions League. Whatever happens today, there are sure to be more twists and turns for both teams this season.
AFC Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Capping a brief flurry of action at the end of an otherwise subdued first half, Aston Villa take a 1-0 lead over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. Becoming his club's leading Premier League goalscorer, Watkins glanced home a deft finish to beat Kepa, who had previously made two saves, soon after Asensio struck a post. Before that, a staccato encounter lacked any real rhythm, and the home side failed to make much of their big share of the ball. Despite having 64% possession, the Cherries post a half-time xG of just 0.07 compared to Villa's 0.93, and they must sharpen up across the final third. As things stand, Emery will be happier of the two Basque bosses, with his team on track to draw level with both Chelsea and Newcastle United on 63 points.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments