Aston Villa player ratings: One scores 8/10 but two dealt 5s in Bournemouth draw

Unai Emery’s men played well in spells and saw a first-half goal from John McGinn ruled out, but Bournemouth, kept in the game by several outstanding saves from goalkeeper Mark Travers, grew into the encounter. In the end, the Cherries’ late push for an equaliser proved too strong as Villa were denied their sixth Premier League win of the season by the last chance of the game.

The hosts dictated possession in the opening exchanges and thoroughly enjoyed the vast space gifted by Bournemouth’s man-to-man approach. The chances racked up quickly, too, as Morgan Rogers flashed a first-time shot just wide, Youri Tielemans tested Travers at the goalkeeper’s near post and Ollie Watkins, who was heavily involved with his link-up play, saw a tame header saved.

McGinn thought he’d netted the opening goal in the 28th minute but the Villa skipper saw his clinical curled effort ruled out. Watkins worked hard to try and keep a low Jacob Ramsey cross in play at the byline before cutting the ball back to McGinn to find the net, but a VAR check discovered the ball had rolled narrowly out of play. It was a tight call and the images didn’t show any conclusive evidence either way.

Amadou Onana went close as he directed a beautiful header toward the far post from a Lucas Digne free-kick, but he was denied by a wonderful diving stop from Travers. Ezri Konsa couldn’t beat the away shot-stopper either, as he struck on target from the edge of the area.

The Cherries occasionally looked a threat on the transition - especially approaching the interval - as they profited from their high press. There were plenty of speculative efforts but Emiliano Martinez was rarely troubled, forced into just two first half saves to deny long-rangers from Justin Kluivert and Dango Ouattara.

The second period started a lot slower than the first as neither team were able to gain any real momentum. It took until the 62nd minute for the next real opportunity as Pau Torres struck from 25 yards but had his strike picked out of the top corner by Travers. Watkins then went close with a header in the six-yard box but once again Travers was there to make a superb reaction stop.

All four corners of Villa Park were convinced substitute Jhon Duran had opened the scoring in the 74th minute as the Colombian was teed up by Watkins and struck towards the bottom corner. The strike was clean and the whip on the ball was fierce but Duran’s shot fizzed narrowly wide.

That missed opportunity was soon forgotten when Barkley broke the deadlock just a few moments later, roaring Villa Park into life. Ian Maatsen’s dinked cross to the far post was headed back into the danger area by Leon Bailey and Barkley reacted quickest to slide on the ground, finding the net.

Bournemouth, pushing for an equaliser, had two huge penalty shouts turned down by referee Chris Kavanagh. Matty Cash was maybe fortunate as he slid in on Antoine Semenyo, but Kavanagh waved away the Cherries’ protests, instead booking Semenyo for simulation. Cash got the slightest touch on the ball, probably saving his bacon.

Then, at the very death, Evanilson levelled the scoring for Bournemouth to break Villa hearts. Barkley gave away a free-kick in a dangerous wide area and Marcus Tavernier’s delivery from the set-piece was faultless, setting up Evanilson for a fine header into the far bottom corner. Villa are up to third but not in the fashion they will have wished.

Aston Villa player ratings vs Bournemouth

Here’s how BirminghamWorld reporter Charlie Haffenden rated the players.

Emiliano Martinez - 7

Made two excellent first half saves to deny Dango and Kluivert. Played a key role in getting Villa up the field quickly with his quick and accurate distribution. Perhaps could’ve been positioned better for Evanilson’s late equaliser.

Matty Cash - 6

It’s a contentious one, but probably lucky to not give away a penalty with a sliding tackle on Semenyo. He should’ve stood his ground. Made several interceptions, though, and was involved in the build-ups to several attacks. Booked for dragging back Semenyo in stoppage time.

Ezri Konsa - 8

Jockeyed Dango and Kluivert superbly when required, stopping several counter-attacks by remaining patient. Also cleared away several dangerous crosses and floated the superb ball over the top for Watkins’ early chance, too.

Pau Torres - 7

Looked far more comfortable getting goalside of attackers and nearly scored a rare goal as he struck from distance, but his powerful shot was saved.

Lucas Digne - 6 (off 71’)

Crossed in several dangerous deliveries as usual and made one or two decent blocks. Struggled to deal with Dango’s pace on the transition, however, and was yellow carded for a poorly-timed tackle on the winger.

Amadou Onana - 6 (off at HT)

Booked for a reckless challenge on Ünal just four minutes in, leaving him vulnerable from that point on and ultimately leading to his premature substitution. Unlucky not to score as a great header was saved in the first half.

Youri Tielemans - 7

Drove forward into the huge space left open in midfield as often as possible, kick-starting attacks. Had a go from range on several occasions but failed to hit the target. Booked for a bad sliding challenge on Christie.

John McGinn - 7 (off 71’)

Disallowed a second goal in the space of five days. It’s a great shame as it was a terrific finish. Booked for blocking a run from Kerkez in the second half.

Jacob Ramsey - 7

Displayed confidence to take on Araujo and Smith at every opportunity. Set up Rogers for a good chance but sometimes lacked accuracy with his final passes. Booked for a tactical foul to stop a breakaway.

Morgan Rogers - 5 (off 58’)

Squandered a great first half chance, firing wide of the post. Unable to beat his man as regularly as usual. Substitued for only the third time this season.

Ollie Watkins - 7 (off 82’)

Caused all sorts of problems with his runs into the channels and linked up very well with Ramsey and Rogers. Had two headers saved, one well connected with but the other weak.

Ross Barkley - 6 (on at HT)

Scored the opening goal with some great anticipation, improvising on the floor to scrape the ball home. Didn’t dictate the play as well as he normally does, though, and gave away the foul that led to Evanilson’s header.

Jhon Duran - 6 (on 58’)

Missed a great chance as he curled inches wide of the left post. Dropped deep to get as involved as possible but sometimes didn’t look up before making his passes, leading to sloppy giveaways. Used his physicality effectively to back into defenders.

Leon Bailey - 7 (on 71’)

Assisted Barkley’s goal with a great knock-down into the six-yard box. Provided better width on the right than McGinn, stretching Bournemouth’s back line.

Ian Maatsen - 7 (on 71’)

Continued Digne’s defensive work on the left and clipped in the deep cross that led to Barkley’s goal.