Tavernier debut, Kieffer's big day, Neto and Ben Pearson - talking points from Villa win

An early Jefferson Lerma strike and late Kieffer Moore header secured the victory for Scott Parker’s men.

Here were a few talking points from a memorable afternoon on the south coast.

Lively Marcus Tavernier debut

Despite hinting he may not throw Tavernier straight in having only joined the club this week, boss Parker immediately found room for his latest recruit in the starting XI.

Selected ahead of the likes of Ryan Christie and Jaidon Anthony, Tavernier produced an energetic display, particularly in the first half, to show what he could offer this season.

His pace caused problems for the Villa back-line, while his versatility could also be key. His debut came in an advanced right-hand midfield position, but he is also equally adept at wing-back and a deeper midfield role.

Speaking after the game, Parker said: "I thought he was superb. I thought he was brilliant.

"In a short space of time he’s showed his qualities and his attributes, what he is going to bring to this team.”

AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa in first game of the new Premier League season at Vitality Stadium. Ben Pearson.Picture by Richard Crease.

Ben Pearson

Hands up who saw Pearson making his Premier League debut yesterday?

The midfielder featured just once for Cherries during pre-season, and was not even part of the squad to face Real Sociedad last weekend.

Instead, the 27-year-old was among a handful of first-team players who were sent to Canford Arena to feature for the development squad in an 8-0 friendly win over QPR’s youngsters.

Pearson, who scored in that triumph, was a shock inclusion into the starting XI, the first time he had began a competitive Cherries fixture since the infamous 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Boreham Wood way back in February.

The former Preston North End man shone in central midfield, putting out various fires as Villa looked to forge a way back into the contest.

Parker headed straight for the midfielder at half-time to give him a high five as he left the pitch, while the crowd afforded Pearson a standing ovation when he was replaced during the second half.

It now seems more than plausible Pearson could have a key role to play, particularly over the coming weeks against some of the bigger sides in the division.

As with Cherries’ last promotion to the Premier League, when the likes of Adam Smith and Dan Gosling were given more match minutes in the top flight than second tier, early signs are that promotion could have in fact aided Pearson’s chances of game-time, in the short-term at least.

AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa in first game of the new Premier League season at Vitality Stadium. Jefferson Lerma goal. .Picture by Richard Crease.

Set-piece goals

With Cherries allowing Villa to have plenty of possession, being clinical and also effective from set-pieces is likely to be an important part of the gameplan this season.

And Cherries certainly showed their prowess from dead-ball situations yesterday, with new recruit Tavernier playing a key role.

The former Boro man delivered corners from both sides, with his first leading to the opening goal of the game. Lloyd Kelly nodded down the corner, which eventually fell to the feet of Lerma to slam home, via a deflection.

Tavernier’s free-kick then eventually yielded the second goal, with Kelly collecting the loose ball and floating a cross to the back post for Moore to head home.

AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa in first game of the new Premier League season at Vitality Stadium. Kieffer Moore goal..Picture by Richard Crease.

Kieffer Moore’s big day

Despite his huge impact in the club’s history already, Moore finally made his first start for Cherries this weekend.

Starting alongside Dominic Solanke, Moore’s physical presence was a key part of the plan for Parker.

The 29-year-old completed his journey from non-league to the Premier League, scoring on his debut top-flight appearance with a booming header past Emi Martinez.

While there may be games where Moore is better used as an impact sub, he has certainly shown he can be a constant threat throughout 90 minutes of a Premier League match, and his goals tally for Cherries now reads played five, scored five.

AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa in first game of the new Premier League season at Vitality Stadium. Neto.Picture by Richard Crease.

Neto in the crowd

Prospective new goalkeeper signing Neto was pictured watching on from the stands.

The Brazil international looks set to complete his move from Barcelona, to challenge number one Mark Travers.

The Irishman looked solid, keeping a clean sheet as the crowd sung his name.

Neto will know he has a challenge on his hands to force Travers out of the side.

What other talking points from the game do you feel were worth a mention? Jefferson Lerma slotting into the back three? Chris Mepham marshalling the back-line?

Let us know in the comments below.