Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Villa Park
The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.
This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.
Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.
Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Inching three points closer to a first-ever Champions League qualification, Aston Villa fight back from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-1 at a buoyant Villa Park. For all their dominance of the ball, the hosts almost went in at half-time with a deficit, following Solanke's strike from the penalty spot, but Rogers fired home a crucial leveller. After the interval, Unai Emery's side stepped up a gear, with Diaby and Bailey both finding the net as the Cherries were simply overwhelmed and Villa's xG shot up to 2.35. The Villans' first comeback win in the Premier League since December takes them six points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham, who still have two games in hand on their rivals for a cherished top-four finish. Bournemouth, meanwhile, sit 13th ahead of their return to the Midlands in midweek, when they visit Wolves at Molineux; Villa are back in action at home to Chelsea next weekend. That's all from today's live coverage, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
SAVE! Enes Unal is denied twice! First, Martinez makes a sharp stop at his near post, before the substitute's follow-up effort hits Pau Torres on the goal-line! That would only have been a consolation goal, surely, but somehow the Cherries have to settle for a corner.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Substitution Matthew Stuart Cash Kaine Kesler-Hayden
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Having got his name on the scoresheet again, Diaby departs. Duran will replace him for the final few seconds.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Now that their hosts have dropped back into a compact defensive shape, Bournemouth are finally bossing the ball. It's all being played in front of Villa's massed defence, though.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
There are to be at least five minutes added for stoppages at the end of the game, as Villa attempt to play out the remaining moments safely and wrap up three precious points in the Premier League's top-four race.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Despite making a number of substitutions, Bournemouth have still been unable to get a foothold in this second half, and it seems they're heading for defeat.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Not only has Watkins now laid on more assists than any other Premier League player this season, he has now set up four goals in his last four top-flight games against Bournemouth. Can he cap another excellent display with a late goal?
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Substitution Leon Patrick Bailey Butler Diego Carlos Santos Silva
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