Saturday`s matches in the Premier League included significant fixtures impacting the race for European qualification.
Currently underway, high-flying Bournemouth are playing host to Aston Villa in a match crucial for both teams` aspirations of securing European football. Aston Villa leads 1-0 at halftime.
Earlier today, Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by Southampton. This result ensured Southampton surpassed Derby County`s record-low Premier League points tally of 11, set in the 2007/08 season.
In other matches, Everton secured a 3-1 victory against Fulham, Brentford won 1-0 against Ipswich Town, and Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Wolves 2-0 at Molineux.
Kick-off times for Saturday`s fixtures were 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM BST.
Live Match Updates: Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
First Half Statistics
Data and figures from the opening half.
Half-time: Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa takes the lead just before the break, sending a message to their Champions League rivals.
Bournemouth 0-1 Aston Villa (45+6 min)
Ollie Watkins scores with a delicate touch!
Goal!
Aston Villa finds the breakthrough.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (45+5 min)
Multiple yellow cards shown after a confrontation. Adam Smith fouls Jacob Ramsey, leading to a melee involving players, including Emi Martinez. Smith, Ramsey, and Martinez are all cautioned.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (45+2 min)
Double chance, double save! A great cross from Digne finds Kamara, whose powerful header is brilliantly saved by Kepa. The rebound falls to Cash, whose header is also stopped by Kepa`s quick reactions.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (45 min)
Six minutes of stoppage time added due to earlier medical breaks.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (43 min)
Asensio hits the post! Marco Asensio cuts inside and strikes the post from seemingly nowhere, providing a rare moment of excitement.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (40 min)
Referee Attwell is frequently blowing his whistle. Asensio handles after slipping, causing frustration on the Bournemouth bench as he`s already on a yellow card.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (37 min)
A free-kick for Villa after Ramsey is fouled by Semenyo. Play is stopped again as Kerkez goes down, with referee Stuart Attwell awarding a foul.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (35 min)
Still no significant action.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (33 min)
The deadlock persists, little action.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (32 min)
A quiet period in the match.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (30 min)
Half an hour played, and the game is yet to ignite. Despite 69% possession, Bournemouth has had only two touches inside the Villa box.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (28 min)
Marco Asensio receives a yellow card for a foul on Evanilson, resulting in one booking for each team.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (27 min)
Alex Scott is the first player cautioned by referee Stuart Attwell for a challenge on Amadou Onana.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (25 min)
Digne`s pass accidentally hits teammate Onana in the face, highlighting the lack of excitement so far.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (22 min)
The match hasn`t been particularly exciting in the first quarter, despite the high stakes.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (20 min)
Scott delivers a dangerous cross from the right. Evanilson misses it, but Mings` flick header is saved by Martinez.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (17 min)
Alex Scott is back on the pitch, despite earlier concerns about his condition following a head clash.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (15 min)
Alex Scott is down again and appears to be suffering from the effects of his earlier collision with Mings. His participation is in doubt.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (13 min)
The first shot of the game comes after Onana`s run sets up Watkins, who then finds Ramsey. Ramsey`s shot goes wide.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (10 min)
Alex Scott is fortunately fit to continue. However, play is stopped again as goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga receives treatment for an apparent hand injury.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (6 min)
Alex Scott is injured after colliding with Tyrone Mings. Replays show Mings` elbow made contact with Scott`s face, and Scott requires medical attention.
Bournemouth 0-0 Aston Villa (4 min)
Aston Villa fans are vocal, knowing a win would move their team level on points with Chelsea and Newcastle (both on 63), who play each other tomorrow.
Marcus Bellamy