Every Villa supporter watching at Vitality Stadium on Wednesday night will remember the moment the tie slipped away. Aston Villa were still in it at 1-0, but Bournemouth doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Lewis Cook’s cross was badly misjudged by Marco Bizot, who let it beat him at his near post. It was the kind of error that looks almost generous from the stands, and it is easy to see why the clip spread so quickly among fans. (allfootballapp)
The mistake mattered because of the timing. Villa had come out after the break with real intent, and Ibrahim Mbaye had nearly levelled the scores. Instead of building on that, they found themselves two goals down and chasing the game. Alvaro Rodriguez then added a composed third in the 69th minute, his first goal in English domestic football, to complete a comfortable evening for the hosts.
It would be unfair, though, to pin the whole night on one man. Bournemouth recorded a fifth consecutive win in all competitions, and Unai Emery made nine changes from the side that beat Manchester City on Saturday. A much-changed XI rarely has the rhythm of a settled one, and Leon Goretzka had also missed a free header in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Former striker Jay Bothroyd was blunt in his verdict, calling it a terrible showing and criticising the defending. (allfootballapp)
Goalkeepers live with this kind of moment, and the best of them bounce back quickly. Villa’s focus now returns to the league, where the first-choice group is flying. One cup exit and one clumsy error should not define Bizot’s time at the club, and Villa fans will be hoping he gets the chance to prove it.
