Ollie Watkins secured a crucial first-half goal as Aston Villa edged Bournemouth 1-0 in Saturday’s Premier League clash, a result that strengthens their push for a Champions League return next season, even after finishing the game with 10 men.
Watkins struck in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time, applying the faintest of touches to Morgan Rogers’ cross.
The goal, confirmed following a VAR offside check, marked his 16th of the league season.
Villa endured a tense final stretch after Jacob Ramsey received a second yellow card in the 80th minute.
The numerical disadvantage gave Bournemouth fresh energy, but despite a flurry of late chances, the hosts couldn’t find a way past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
With this win, Villa climbed to sixth on 63 points, level with Chelsea and Newcastle United, who face off at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
They are also two points clear of Nottingham Forest, who play Leicester City. However, Villa have played one more game than all three of those top-four contenders and now sit just two points behind third-placed Manchester City, who were held to a 0-0 draw by already-relegated Southampton earlier in the day.
“We are in Europe; Conference League, Europa League or Champions League,” said manager Unai Emery. “Of course, we try to get our best dreams in Europe, playing Champions League again, but still we have matches to play, and there are other teams in front of us.
“To play in Europe for the third year in a row, I am so happy.”
Bournemouth, who had stunned second-placed Arsenal 2-1 the previous weekend, saw their European hopes stall.
They remain 10th in the table, with Brentford and Brighton holding a two-point edge.
A potential route to Europe still exists: should Manchester City win the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace later this month, eighth place would be enough to secure a Conference League spot.
“We are in a worse position than we were a couple of hours ago but we have to keep fighting,” Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola told Sky Sports.
Watkins’ strike was not only decisive on the day but also historic, his 75th Premier League goal for Aston Villa, making him the club’s all-time top scorer in the competition, surpassing Gabriel Agbonlahor.
“I’ve had eyes on breaking that record since joining the club; you need to celebrate wins like that as it’s a great achievement,” said Watkins.
Before the breakthrough, Villa had threatened twice, Marco Asensio hit the post in the 43rd minute, and Kepa Arrizabalaga was forced into a double save from Boubacar Kamara’s header and Matty Cash’s follow-up.
Bournemouth, who made three changes from their lineup against Arsenal, managed only one shot on target in a first half that produced more yellow cards (five) than notable attacks.
Their push only gathered momentum after Ramsey’s dismissal. Antoine Semenyo fired wide in the 81st minute, Evanilson’s header was kept out by Martinez, and in the dying moments, Semenyo saw another effort cleared off the line by Cash after a Martinez save deep into stoppage time.
