Aston Villa 3 Bournemouth 1
Unai Emery’s side had a penalty shootout victory in the Europa Conference League in the week and sat in fourth place in the table, to make the mood at Villa Park very positive right now. With Bournemouth the visitors this weekend, they were hoping to cement their league position.
The Cherries started well as Christie switched the ball to Kluivert. He cut inside from the left wing and strode into the box before hitting a rasping shot at goal. Martinez needed a strong hand to keep the effort out and the scores level.
Kluivert and Kelly then combined, with the defender clipping an inviting ball into the back post. Ouattara met it but could only direct his shot into the side netting. The visitors were looking dangerous and Emery’s side were struggling to keep them out.
Once again Kluivert received the ball and saw Kerkez on the overlap. Cash slid in rashly and wiped out the defender, with the referee immediately pointing to the spot. VAR checked for a foul in the build-up but saw no wrongdoing and the penalty was awarded.
Credit: @afcbournemouth
Solanke stepped up and drilled his effort into the top corner, despite Martinez going the right way. Villa Park was stunned as this was definitely not in the script they had read for today. The striker had another chance moments later but only a sliding challenge from Konsa could deny him a second.
Then Bournemouth became the architects of their own downfall. As Christie broke forward, he delayed passing to Kluivert and got dispossessed. Villa countered and as Rodgers cut inside from the left, he rifled his shot into the roof of the net to equalise before the break.
Into the second half and Aston Villa looked far more positive in their play after drawing the scores level before the interval. Watkins broke and headed towards goal but instead of pulling the trigger himself, he spotted a teammate better placed.
The Villa striker picked out Diaby at the back post, who slotted his shot under Neto and into the back of the net. Villa Park erupted as Unai Emery’s side had completed their comeback after being a goal down against The Cherries.
It showed Andoni Iraola just how cruel the Premier League can be. He may have felt his team could have been two or three goals up before Aston Villa had scored. This is the importance of being clinical in front of goal at this level.
The visitors did not give up and as a ball was swung into the back post, it was met by the head of Ouattara. Albeit not the most thunderous of headers, it still required a smart save from Martinez to ensure that the hosts held onto their lead.
Credit: @premierleague
Emery’s side finally put the game to bed when Watkins and Diaby exchanged a neat one-two. The striker looked to slot home but as the ball rolled across the goal line, Bailey tapped home to ensure that Villa took all the points from this game.
Despite still having a European semi-final to look forward to, the main focus for Aston Villa is securing Champions League qualification for next season. They are now six points clear of Tottenham, although Postecoglou’s side do have two games in hand.
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