Ollie Watkins on target as Aston Villa beat Bournemouth to boost top-five hopes

A little over a month ago Aston Villa were preparing for the Parc des Princes and while they have enjoyed some memorable trips on the continent this campaign, it was hard to escape the sense that this one, in more modest surroundings in the spring Dorset sunshine, was arguably their most significant takeaway of the season yet. It probably felt even bigger for Unai Emery given his side finished with 10 men, Jacob Ramsey sent off late on for a second yellow card offence. And then deep into second-half stoppage time, Emiliano Mart?nez made a magnificent save to prevent Antoine Semenyo from side-footing in an equaliser.
Ollie Watkins scored the only goal on the verge of half-time, his deft finish sufficient to earn a priceless Villa win in the race to qualify again for the Champions League and eclipse Gabriel Agbonlahor?s Premier League goalscoring record, this the England striker?s 75th in the top flight. ?Something tells me I?m into something good,? crooned the 1,307 away supporters on loop. Villa?s big win was a damaging defeat for Andoni Iraola?s Bournemouth and their European aspirations, especially with Brentford and Brighton winning before kick-off here.
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