Teenager Rayan marked his first Bournemouth start with a goal as the Cherries held Aston Villa to a pulsating Premier League draw on Saturday. The result denied Unai Emery’s side the chance to climb to second place in the table.
Aston Villa struck first in the 22nd minute with their opening effort on target as Morgan Rogers combined neatly with Jadon Sancho before blasting past the helpless Djordje Petrovic.
Before the break, Rayan had already offered a warning by heading against the crossbar. That moment hinted at what was coming after the restart at Vitality Stadium.
Ten minutes into the second half, the 19-year-old delivered a moment of brilliance. After collecting possession near the touchline, he burst past Lucas Digne and finished calmly beyond Emiliano Martinez.
The Brazilian, signed from Vasco da Gama for an initial £24.7m, celebrated a dream first start. His equaliser lifted the crowd and shifted momentum firmly towards the hosts.
Bournemouth pressed for a winner and came agonisingly close late on. Substitute Ryan Christie forced Martinez into a superb fingertip save.
Villa’s dropped points left them third, level with Manchester City but having played one extra game. Arsenal’s victory over Sunderland also stretched the leaders nine points clear.
Villa reality check as title dreams give way to top-five focus
Aston Villa’s recent form do not suggest belief in the title chase. They have now taken just eight points from their last seven league matches.
Although boosted by Ollie Watkins’ return, Villa struggled to control the second half. Watkins even saw a goal ruled out for offside before Rogers’ opener stood.
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Bournemouth, however, finished stronger and fully merited their point. Martinez made seven saves as the visitors absorbed sustained pressure.
Mid-table Bournemouth continue to impress despite regular high-profile sales. Recent departures include Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi and Antoine Semenyo.
Rayan, signed as Semenyo’s replacement, is already justifying that faith. He previously assisted off the bench at Wolves before earning his first start.
Andoni Iraola praised the youngster, saying: “He is an amazing player. He can go inside and outside when there’s space.”
Bournemouth next travel to Everton and West Ham in quick succession. Aston Villa face three consecutive home fixtures as their season reaches a defining stretch.
Tags: Rayan, Bournemouth, #BOUAVL, Aston Villa, #PremierLeague26, Premier League, Everton, West Ham, Morgan Rogers, Andoni Iraola, Ryan Christie, Emiliano Martinez, Lucas Digne, Djordje Petrovic.
