Evanilson’s last-gasp header earns Bournemouth draw at Aston Villa

Evanilson’s late header spoiled Aston Villa boss Unai Emery’s two-year anniversary as Bournemouth snatched a 1-1 draw deep into stoppage time.

Since Emery’s appointment in October 2022, Villa have gone from relegation candidates to top of the Champions League table and were denied the chance to move up to third in the Premier League following a last-gasp equaliser.

Fresh off the back of their victory over Arsenal last week, Bournemouth were aiming to capitalise on Villa’s return to reality from their European highs in midweek and stand-in goalkeeper Mark Travers frustrated them for large parts, making seven saves.

Villa thought they had the reward for a dominant first 45 but John McGinn’s goal was ruled out by VAR and they were made to wait for the opener which eventually came when substitute Ross Barkley stepped off the bench for his first goal of the season.

A late free-kick gave Bournemouth the final chance which Evanilson gladly glanced home with the last touch of the game to steal a point.

Bournemouth made four changes after handing Arsenal a first defeat of the season while Ezri Konsa and McGinn returned the league fold to replace Diego Carlos and Leon Bailey from last week’s win over Fulham.

Travers replaced the injured Kepa Arrizabalaga and he was called into action when he palmed Youri Tielemans’ effort at the front post behind for a corner.

Aston Villa have built a reputation as one of the most dangerous sides in the league from set pieces and almost cashed in on another – Lucas Digne’s lovely floated cross found Amadou Onana who was kept out by Travers again.

The hosts were denied an opener just before the half-hour mark.

Morgan Rogers’ overhit cross was collected by Ollie Watkins on the byline and he laid it