Aston Villa draws with Bournemouth

Evanilson scores Bournemouth's equalizer. (Getty Images)

BBC Sport, October 26 — Bournemouth striker Evanilson scored with the last touch of the game to rescue a point at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The Cherries were given a free-kick six minutes into stoppage time and, with everybody including the goalkeeper forward, Marcus Tavernier found an unmarked Evanilson at the near post and Bournemouth's record signing flicked a header into the far corner.

Villa had been the better side and went ahead in the 76th minute when Ross Barkley hooked in Leon Bailey's header back across goal.

John McGinn had a strike ruled out in the 28th minute after a long video assistant referee (VAR) review.

McGinn converted Ollie Watkins' cutback, but it was ruled that the ball had narrowly rolled out of play for a Bournemouth goal-kick just before Watkins gathered possession.

It still looked like being Villa's day, but substitute Evanilson had the final say, scoring for just the second time since he joined Bournemouth from Porto in August for a club record £40.2m fee.

Bournemouth enjoy away smash and grab

You only need one chance, and Bournemouth took theirs.

Andoni Iraola's side backed up their superb win over Arsenal last Saturday with another positive result against a high-flying opponent; with their point a reward for their solid defence.

The visitors overcame a disruptive build-up to their match at Villa Park.

Key midfielder Alex Scott was ruled out for six weeks on Friday with a knee injury, and on Saturday goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was a shock absentee after sustaining a muscle issue in training.

Stand-in stopper Mark Travers made his second start of the season, and his 19th overall in the Premier League, and impressed with a number of crucial saves.

He was Bournemouth's key performer, along with second-half substitute Evanilson who only touched the ball nine times but still managed to make an all-important impact.

Villa pay for missed chances

For Aston Villa, this draw could only feel like a loss.

Until their goal, Bournemouth's best opportunity had been an hopeful Justin Kluivert long-range shot that was tipped over by Emiliano Martinez in the first half.

Villa went ahead through Barkley's first goal since returning to the club from Luton in the summer, but in truth the home side could have already been 2-0 or 3-0 up at that stage.

Bournemouth's Travers made seven saves in all, including fine stops to repel thunderous efforts from Villa centre-backs Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres.

Once Villa scored, though, they sat back and played as if the game was already won.

Unai Emery's side were ultimately punished, dropping points for just the fourth time this season.