RED-HOT WATKINS HAS LAST LAUGH

But Unai's Villa could yet be serious title contenders

- Mike Walters

BOURNEMOUTH 2

ASTON VILLA 2

DO NOT laugh, but Ollie Watkins' last-minute equaliser may have salvaged the point that wins Aston Villa the title.

This was a point gained, not two dropped, for Unai Emery's side as the Villa messiah continued his transformation of English football's sleeping giants in the Vitality Stadium madhouse.

The hour glass was down to the last grains of sand when England striker Watkins met substitute Moussa Diaby's cross with a majestic glancing header.

Twice behind, and second best for most of a pulsating contest, Villa had to settle for a point that kept them within four of the summit.

Should they equal a 92-year-old club record with a 14th consecutive home league win against Manchester City on Wednesday, they would be right in the thick of it.