Aston Villa boost Champions League hopes with narrow win over Bournemouth
Ollie Watkins was the hero once again, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League.
KATHMANDU: Aston Villa strengthened their bid for a UEFA Champions League spot with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins was the hero once again, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League.
The striker netted the only goal of the match in first-half injury time, turning in a low cross from Morgan Rogers to score his 75th Premier League goal—surpassing Gabriel Agbonlahor’s long-standing record.
Villa had to finish the game with 10 men after Jacob Ramsey was sent off in the 80th minute for a second bookable offence.
However, a resilient defensive performance—highlighted by key interventions from Emiliano Martinez and Matty Cash—ensured Bournemouth couldn’t find an equalizer in the closing stages.
The victory lifts Villa to sixth place in the Premier League table with 63 points, edging ahead of Nottingham Forest and trailing only Newcastle United and Chelsea on goal difference.
Bournemouth remain 10th, holding steady in mid-table.
