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There had been no clear opportunities before Bournemouth seized on an error to lead in the 10th minute. It came from Diego Carlos, who carelessly gifted possession to Ryan Christie on the edge of the area and he in turn fed Antoine Semenyo to sweep past Emiliano Martinez.
Six minutes later, the same combination almost yielded a second but Martinez blocked Semenyo’s powerful shot with his knees.
Emery was manically stalking the touchline asking for more of the players he has come to expect so much from. He got it a few minutes later as Leon Bailey stepped inside Milos Kerkez and Lewis Cook to fire an unstoppable low shot into the far corner.
Two minutes later, Emery was pumping his fists in celebration once more but a long Var check – roundly jeered by both sets of supporters – eventually saw Diego Carlos’s goal ruled out with Lucas Digne adjudged offside in the build up.
A fascinating half remained compelling right through to the end of the eight minutes added on. Martinez celebrated like he was winning the World Cup all over again after denying Dominic Solanke from point-blank range with a wonderful save.
Then in first-half stoppage time, Ezri Konsa executed a perfect tackle to stop Justin Kluivert, whilst Douglas Luiz was denied at the other end by a fine save from Neto.
In symmetry with the first half, Bournemouth retook the lead early in the second. Solanke did this time score his seventh of the season, turning sharply in the area to convert into the bottom corner after a gut-busting run from left-back Kerkez.
Thereafter, Bournemouth contained Villa effectively, narrowing the pitch and consequently the impact of their wide attackers. The hosts had several chances to extend their lead but survived a scare when Jhon Durán saw his shot deflect off Marcos Senesi and strike the post.
But in the last moments of regular time, Diaby spotted Watkins’ movement and supplied to perfect cross for Watkins to score his ninth goal of the season.
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