Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Follow all the action from Villa Park
Follow live coverage as Aston Villa face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League today.
Manchester City are reigning champions after beating Liverpool to the finish line in a neck-and-neck 2021/22 title race where a comeback win on the final day of the season against Aston Villa secured a fourth title in five years for Pep Guardiola's side.
Jurgen Klopp's Reds were on course for a quadruple last season but were forced to settle for just an FA Cup and Carabao Cup win and will return trying to win the title again just as they did in 2020.
It was a dramatic season for Chelsea a year ago with Roman Abramovich now replaced by Todd Boehly as owner in west London. He will want an instant return on his hefty investment at Stamford Bridge while Tottenham, back in the Champions League, will want to kick on once more too.
It's not all about the action at the top though with Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest promoted to the top tier for 2021/22 and hoping to hold their own against the best English football has to offer and avoid the drop.
We will bring you all the action and updates from today's game in the live blog below:
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
For the first time, Bournemouth enjoy a prolonged spell on the ball, but Villa have dropped deeper and are happy to soak up a little light pressure. The visitors' move ends with Billing flicking a header straight into Martinez's gloves from 20 yards out.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Aston Villa have had 71 per cent of the possession over the opening 20 minutes, demonstrating the extent of their early dominance. Bournemouth have still fashioned a couple of half-chances, though.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Luiz buys a free-kick in midfield, much to the obvious disagreement of Solanke, who barely brushed his opponent. Villa play the resultant set-piece long into the box, but the attack ultimately breaks down.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
At the end of a swift Villa move, Senesi shuts the door firmly when Buendia slips the ball invitingly through for Watkins in the centre of the area. That was a crucial interception, just as the Villans' main marksman aimed to shoot.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth build again, and a cross swung over by Smith is planted wide of the target by the head of Billing, who rises highest in the area. This is better from the Cherries.
Aston Villa vs AFC Bournemouth
McGinn and Konsa get their wires crossed deep inside the Villa area, and with a desperate lunge, Anthony narrowly fails to latch onto the ball and turn it goalwards before Martinez can react. A lucky escape for the home side!
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