Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa result: Ollie Watkins nets winner to secure three Premier League points in battle for the top five at Vitality Stadium

Ollie Watkins became Aston Villa’s leading goalscorer in the Premier League era as Unai Emery’s men boosted their UEFA Champions League hopes with a resilient 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.

The England striker flicked in a delightful opener in first-half stoppage time to surpass Gabriel Agbonlahor with his 75th top-flight goal for the club.

The breakthrough arrived as the visitors ended a low-key first-half with a flurry of chances that saw Marco Asensio hit the post and Boubacar Kamara force a brilliant save out of Kepa.

Bournemouth struggled to make much impact as an attacking force, but sparked into life 10 minutes from time when Villa were reduced to 10 men following Jacob Ramsey’s second yellow card.

Antoine Semenyo twice went close to a late leveller and Matty Cash blocked one on the line as Unai Emery’s side doggedly hung on for the win.

The result moves Villa up to sixth place, level on 63 points with Newcastle (fourth) and Chelsea (fifth) ahead of the clash between those two sides at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Next up, Villa host Tottenham on Friday night in their penultimate match of the season. Bournemouth, whose own European hopes suffered a major blow with the defeat, sit 10th and are away to Manchester City a week on Tuesday. 

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Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Villa midfielder said: "I think Villa really defended gamely. I did say, out of the three fixtures that remain, I felt this was going to be the tricky one. The home game against Spurs and obviously Manchester United [away] – they’ll have their minds on other things [the Europa League final].

"Bournemouth had something to play for today. That was a real, dig-deep performance from Unai Emery’s side.

"I’ve got to say, they defended and had to really put bodies on the line in that second half – and obviously going down to 10 [men] as well. What a result that is."

Ollie Watkins’ 75th Premier League goal for Aston Villa sealed what could well be three crucial points in the battle to finish in the top five.

The striker took his tally to 15 league goals for the season and also overtook Gabriel Agbonlahor (74) as the club’s leading scorer in the Premier League era.

It means Villa get a major shot in the arm heading into their final two league games: Tottenham at home and Manchester United away.

The Villans are currently in sixth place, two points off Man City in third with Newcastle (fourth) and Chelsea (fifth) set to play on Sunday. The other hopefuls, Nottingham Forest, also face Chelsea on the last day, so if Villa can pick up maximum points in their final two outings they may sneak back into the Champions League for next season.

Bournemouth are at Man City next and then finish with a home match against relegated Leicester City, with their bid to finish in the top eight to qualify for one of the European competitions sadly fading.

Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa.

Semenyo arrives at the back stick but his miss-hit volley is well saved by Martinez.

It looks like Jebbison will nod in the rebound near the other post but his header is blocked away by Cash on the line!

Konsa booked for kicking the ball away in an attempt to waste time.

Five minutes added.

Maatsen on for Rogers.

Zabarnyi and Kerkez off.

Araujo and Jebbison on.

Zabarnyi heads straight at Martinez from 15 yards out. It's a tame header and never likely to beat the Argentine from there.

Villa are hanging on now as the hosts pour forward.

Villa will edge up to sixth place, level on 63 points with Newcastle (fourth) and Chelsea (fifth) ahead of the clash between those two sides at St James’ Park on Sunday.

Bournemouth's Euro hopes would suffer a major blow as they would lie 10th.

Rogers charges into a block challenge on Kerkez, whose thundersou effort deflects away.

Bournemouth want a penalty, VAR has a look, but there's nothing doing.

Huijsen is fuming and picks up a yellow card for going too far venting his irritation.

The Cherries look to make the one-man advantage pay with Semenyo rifling inches past the far post and Martinez clawing away another effort.

Villa are down to 10 men as Jacob Ramsey picks up a second yellow card for tripping Brooks on the charge.

Zabarnyi booked.

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League, as well as exclusive Premier League games across the 2024-25 season.

The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports and entertainment in one destination. 

Senesi on, Adams off.

The visitors are sitting back, inviting pressure, but they seem content that they can handle it.