By james art Since Emery’s appointment in October 2022, Villa have gone from relegation candidates to top of the Champions League table and were denied the chance to climb to third in the Premier League after a last-minute equaliser.
Fresh off their win over Arsenal last week, Bournemouth looked to capitalize on Villa’s return to reality from their European highs in midweek, and back-up goalkeeper Mark Travers let them down big time, making seven saves.
Villa thought they had the reward for a dominant opening 45, but John McGinn’s goal was ruled out by VAR and they were forced to wait for the opener, which eventually came when substitute Ross Barkley came off the bench for his first goal of the season.
A late free-kick gave Bournemouth one last chance, which Evanilson was delighted to glance home with the last touch of the game to steal a point.
Bournemouth made four changes after handing Arsenal their first defeat of the season, while Ezri Konsa and McGinn returned to the league to replace Diego Carlos and Leon Bailly from last week’s win over Fulham.
Travers replaced the injured Kepa Arrizabalaga and he was called into action when he palmed Youri Tielemans’ shot in front of the post for a corner.
Aston Villa built a reputation as one of the most dangerous sides in the league from set-pieces and almost cashed in with another – Lucas Digne’s wonderful cross found Amadou Onana, who was again held up by Travers.
The hosts were denied an opener shortly before half an hour.
Morgan Rodgers’ overshot cross was gathered by Ollie Watkins on the line and he laid it off for McGinn, who curled in, but the VAR stepped in and adjudged the ball to be slightly offside.
Bournemouth were on the back foot for big spells but began to fire warning shots of their own – Justin Kluivert’s shot from distance had to be saved by Emmy Martinez.
Travers was again busy between the sticks and denied Villa for the fourth time in the half, this time diving to his left to stop Konsa’s powerful strike.
Villa turned up the heat in the second period and were again denied twice by the inspired Travers, who was on hand to stop Pau Torres’ long-range strike and Watkins’ header inside a minute.
Super substitute John Duran thought he had worked his magic again, but it came off the wrong side of the post, which many Villa fans thought was there.
In the 76th minute, a nervous Villa Park erupted.
Andoni Iraola’s side finally succumbed to the pressure when Ian Maatsen’s cross was headed by Bailey into the path of Barkley, who swept home.
The Cherries were left fuming when claims for a penalty were dismissed by both referee Chris Kavanagh and VAR after Bailey appeared to pull the ball in the area.
But Bournemouth were given one last chance of a late upset after goalscorer Barkley brought down Marcus Tavernier outside the box.
Tavernier pounced and curled the ball onto Evanilson’s head to silence Villa Park.