Rudy Gestede netted on his debut for Aston Villa to guide his side to a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in their Premier League opening-day clash at Dean Court this afternoon.
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Bournemouth had the first opening of the game when Matt Ritchie was afforded space and time outside the box, but he drilled his strike wide of the post.
Villa pressed back at the home side as Jordan Veretout played a through-ball into the path of Idrissa Gueye, and the midfielder drove towards the box and fired an effort at goal, but his strike sailed over the bar.
The Cherries began to dominate possession and Andrew Surman went close with a left-footed strike from distance, although his effort flew past the post of Brad Guzan.
Bournemouth pressed forward just before the break and Callum Wilson had two chances to break the deadlock, but he scuffed the first effort, while his second was well saved by Guzan low to his left.
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Guzan made another fine stop to keep the home side at bay just before half time as he managed to turn away Marc Pugh's powerful strike at goal to keep the scores level.
In the second half, Villa almost took the lead when Gabriel Agbonlahor raided down the right and cut the ball back across the middle for Gueye, but Boruc made a fine save to keep his effort out.
The visitors took the lead in the 72nd minute as Gestede notched his first goal for the club when he latched on to Ashley Westwood's corner to direct the ball beyond the reach of Boruc.
Agbonlahor pushed to secure the win for his side when he burst through the middle, but his low effort was saved by Boruc, although the visitors were able to hold out for the win.
Simon Sinclair
