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
Villa are still lacking the final touch. After Bailey's clever back-heel sends Rogers away on the right, the latter's cross - which is stood up towards the six-yard box - is comfortably cleared away.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Diaby is imprecise again, as his low cross from the right is struck too firmly for Pau Torres to reach at the back post. Still, the home side are seizing control of this contest now. Bournemouth are not seeing much of the ball.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Bailey flips a delightful ball over the top for Diaby on the right, but the latter's first touch comes just short of bringing it under his spell and Bournemouth mop up any danger. On the touchline, Unai Emery urges patience from his players.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
After Cash hurls a long throw-in towards the penalty spot, where several players contest it, Rogers bundles over Smith and concedes a free-kick. For a moment, Bournemouth seemed to be caught off guard.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Attempting to sprint clear down the left, Solanke is caught offside, as he just fails to time his run right and Aston Villa's high defensive line succeeds in doing their job.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
The shot by Watkins took a deflection, and following the subsequent corner, McGinn picks the ball up on the right and drives towards the box. His rather hurried shot is then skewed well wide of the left-hand post. Neto simply watches it fly out of play.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Watkins gets his first look at goal, as Diaby rolls through a pass from the centre, before Villa's star striker rifles a powerful shot well over the crossbar from the edge of Bournemouth's area.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Two teams with a similar philosophy are meeting today, with neither managing to gain any control of the game as yet. Both sides' Basque bosses like their team to keep the ball and press their opponents.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth kick off, and we are under way in Birmingham!
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
The players are out on the pitch at a sunny Villa Park, and kick-off in this Premier League contest is now just moments away!
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