Player Ratings: Bournemouth 2-0 Aston Villa - Lerma and Moore’s goals leave Villa in despair on opening day

Emiliano Martínez: 6/10

There was not a lot the Argentine could have done about either of the two goals, with Lerma smashing home from close range and Moore unmarked for his header. Martinez expertly claimed a number of teasing crosses in the box, but was ultimately let down by the men in front of him. There is still plenty of time, but his objective of beating the club’s Premier League clean sheet record may take some doing this season.

Matty Cash: 6/10

The Polish full-back always wanted to get things moving for his side; his direct play will please Steven Gerrard and his staff. Cash showed his frustration throughout after his teammates were sluggish on the ball and slow to get the ball moving quickly in transition. The 24-year looks as hungry as ever though, and looks set to build from a fine 2021/2022 season.

Ezri Konsa: 5/10

Making his first competitive start since his setback, Ezri Konsa looked his pre-injury self out on the field today. Clumsy at times and sloppy in duels meant the centre-half was often beaten to it by the likes of Dominic Solanke and Kieffer Moore in the air. With Calum Chambers and Tyrone Mings breathing down his neck, Konsa will hope he has done enough to keep his starting place.

Diego Carlos: 5/10

Debutant Diego Carlos will look to move on from this game as soon as possible, and conceding two on his first competitive start for the club would have been bottom of the list of things to do. The Brazilian looked strong and his physicality could certainly be felt, but the former Sevilla man didn’t appear settled and wasted possession far too often throughout the game.

Lucas Digne: 5/10

With a first pre-season under his belt since making a move to the West Midlands, Lucas Digne would have hoped for a better start to the season. Wasted crosses and poor ball retention in his own half will leave the Frenchman determined to do better, as he readies himself to face his former employers next week.

Boubacar Kamara: 6/10

An encouraging debut from the French international; showing just why he was sought after at the start of the window. His physical presence and spatial awareness in the middle of the park will pay it’s dividends this season, and you feel Kamara will have a big part to play in this Aston Villa side. The 22 year-old came the closest all day for the Villans, after firing a 25-yard effort just wide of the goal.

John McGinn: 6/10

The Scotsman’s first game as captain ends in defeat. The number seven showed his usual energetic self, but the nerves of the occasion may have go to the midfielder who made a number of mistakes throughout. A willingness to take shots on and put himself about will please Steven Gerrard, but the pair will both look for a drastic improvement from here on.

Jacob Ramsey: 4/10

A really disappointing day for last season’s breakthrough star. Steven Gerrard would have wanted his ‘Young Player of the Season’ winner to take this game by the scruff of the neck and get at Bournemouth, but the 21 year-old just couldn’t get anything going. A yellow card in the final moments of his performance summed up a dismal day for young JJ, who was replaced at the break.

Leon Bailey: 5/10

After an impressive pre-season, Leon Bailey headed into the contest on the south-coast full of confidence and ready to make an impact. The Jamaican struggled however, and Bournemouth’s rigid defensive shape left the winger helpless and unable to play to his strengths. Bailey will hope he can recreate his best performance in a claret and blue shirt next week as Everton pay a visit to Villa Park.

Danny Ings: 5/10

Aston Villa’s new number nine failed to produce a threatening attempt at Mark Travers’ goal at any stage. The 30 year-old would have wanted to warrant his manager’s trust after the boss started him over last season’s top-scorer Ollie Watkins, but the former-Saint barely touched the ball and more importantly couldn’t get off the mark on the opening day.

Phillipe Coutinho: 4/10

A passenger’s performance from the Brazilian playmaker who struggled all game long on the left side of the claret and blue attack. The Cherries’ deep line meant quality from Villa’s creative players was essential, and the former Barcelona midfielder simply couldn’t provide any finesse for his side.

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SUBSTITUTES:

Emiliano Buendía (45 mins): 6/10

A bright spark in the side for the second-half, with Steven Gerrard wasting no time in bringing the little magician on after a dull and uninspiring first showing. Buendía constantly wanted to be in possession and tried generating chances for his teammates, but the Bournemouth backline remained resolute and constantly denied the Argentine’s production.

Ollie Watkins (66 mins): 5/10

Watkins lost the battle for a starting spot up top for Aston Villa, and struggled to make a case to change his gaffer’s mind during his 25 minute cameo. The way the game was set up since going behind didn’t play into the 26 year-old’s hands however, and like his forward counter-parts, he failed to register an effort at goal.

Cameron Archer (82 mins): 5/10

The young striker would have hoped for more minutes in this tie, after replacing the underwhelming Philippe Coutinho with just ten minutes to spare. Archer barely touched the ball in his short showing as the hunt for his first Premier League goal persists.

Douglas Luiz (82 mins): 5/10

The Brazilian arguably should have started the affair as it was clear the starting midfield was too open and easy to break down. In typical Douglas Luiz fashion, he was shown a yellow card after a frustrated, late tackle, and you feel the 24 year-old midfielder may be seen from the get-go next weekend, in place of Jacob Ramsey.

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MAN OF THE MATCH: Boubacar Kamara

After a tiring end to Kamara’s pre-season showings, the number 44 looked revitalised and complete in the heart of the Aston Villa side. The occasional rash challenge and foul will be no worry for Steven Gerrard, with the boss expecting and demanding a willingness to fight from his new recruit.

It was certainly not a perfect debut for ‘Bouba’, but there is without a doubt a player there, and with time the former Marseille man will play a big part in orchestrating play and being a fantastic ball-winner for the Villans.

Whilst not particularly plausible today, the Frenchman’s desire to drop between his two centre-backs and overload that area will definitely be of help throughout the rest of the campaign. Kamara is an intelligent individual and there were a number of glimpses out there showing just why he was a priority signing this summer.

Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images