Toby Wilding

Sat 10 May 2025 19:45, UK

Bournemouth saw their hopes of European qualification dealt a blow after being beat 1-0 by Aston Villa at the Vitality Stadium.

Andoni Iraola‘s side went into the game needing to win to move back into eighth in the table, which could secure European qualification depending on the result of next week’s FA Cup final.

However, they found themselves 1-0 down on the stroke of half time when Ollie Watkins turned in a cross from Morgan Rogers at close range.

The Cherries were then given a lifeline with ten minutes of normal time remaining when Jacob Ramsey was sent off for a second yellow card.

They were though unable to find an equaliser, meaning they drop to tenth in the Premier League table with two games remaining after wins for Brentford and Brighton.

Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Bournemouth squad in that clash with Aston Villa on Saturday (10 May).

Andoni Iraola’s men suffer Euro blow

Kepa Arrizabalaga – 7

Made a really good double save late in the first half and couldn’t do much about the goal. Otherwise rarely called on.

Adam Smith (off for Brooks, ’70) – 4

Picked up a yellow card after a poor challenge and struggled to exert an influence onto the game either defensively or going forward.

Ilya Zabarnyi (off for Araujo, ’88) – 5

Champions League finalists PSG have been linked with Zabarnyi, who had a tough battle with Watkins, crucially letting the Aston Villa man get in front of him for the opener.

Ollie Watkins beats Ilya Zabarnyi in decisive moment

Dean Huijsen – 7 – Player of the Match

Best of a frustrating bunch. Tottenham have become the latest club to be linked with Huijsen, who was steady here under some considerable pressure.

Milos Kerkez (off for Kerkez, ’89) – 6

Kerkez is being touted for a move to Liverpool, with the left-back doing well enough defensively, but like most of his teammates struggling to pose a threat when getting forward.

Tyler Adams (off for Senesi, ’76) – 6

Solid enough in midfield but couldn’t do enough to turn the game in his side’s favour before going off.

Lewis Cook – 6

Looked to make thing happen but was yet another who couldn’t quite find the final ball that was needed.

Bournemouth attack fails to fire

Antoine Semenyo – 4

Semenyo is understood to be attracting interest from Man United, but found it hard to catch the eye with nothing he tried really coming off in another frustrating performance, not least when he was denied at the back post in the last minute. Lost possession leading to Villa’s winner.

Alex Scott (off for Kluivert, ’46) – 5

Picked up a booking and two nasty blows to the face in the first half so no a huge surprise to see him go off at half time.

Marcus Tavernier – 5

Saw a few openings out wide but only right at the end did his delivery into the area really create an opportunity, which was kept out well.

Evanilson – 6

Cut a frustrated figure as he struggled to get involved for the most part, save for one good header late on which was well saved by Martinez.

Evanilson draws a blank

Substitutes

Justin Kluivert (on for Scott, ’46) – 7

Did at least look bright with some promising runs and touches that gave Aston Villa more to think about.

David Brooks (on for Smith, ’70) – 7

A really bright cameo for the Welshman. Excellent cross to create an opportunity for Evanilson, and drew the second yellow card for Ramsey on the counter attack.

Marcos Senesi (on for Adams, ’76) – 6

Wasn’t hugely involved after his introduction as part of a reshuffle.

Julian Araujo (on for Zabarnyi, ’88) – 5

Only got the last few minutes as Bournemouth chased the game.

Daniel Jebbison (on for Kerkez, ’89) – 5

Unable to turn in from close range in the last seconds as Cash intervened after Semenyo was denied by Martinez.