Aston Villa’s Premier League match against Bournemouth was halted for more than five minutes after team-mates Adam Smith and Tyler Adams accidentally collided early on. The ugly incident happened on Sunday afternoon, just four minutes into the first half, after a long throw by Bournemouth.
Players from both teams visibly panicked and gestured for medical staff to rush onto the pitch and provide help. After some worrying, both players eventually got up and remained awake on the pitch, attended to by paramedics.
Thankfully, neither had to be taken off on a stretcher. Adams managed to get back to his feet and continue playing, but Smith’s afternoon came to an early end. He received a severe cut on his forehead and was covered in blood.
The Cherries captain was eventually replaced by Alex Jimenez, but was visibly devastated on the sideline when he was sent off. Bournemouth said on X (formerly Twitter): “Early substitution. After the collision, Adam Smith left the pitch and will be substituted in an early substitution.”
The visiting team went into the match looking for a victory that would at least temporarily move them into second place. Villa were winless in their first five games, but have regained their form. However, the Midlands side were on a four-game winning streak, losing to Liverpool in their last away game.
On Sunday, Emi Buendia scored a stunning free-kick against Bournemouth to put Villa up 1-0 in the first 30 minutes, but Djordje Petrovic could do nothing to stop him. Petrovic managed to stop Ollie Watkins from making it 2-0 before half-time.
Villans coach Unai Emery said before the game, “I think we feel comfortable and we feel like we have a good balance. And then it’s Sunday. Sunday is the next challenge, how do we finish this break in the table and how do we set our goals for the season to end Week 11 on Sunday?”
“After this win we will focus on the next game against Bournemouth, which will be very tough. We will rest, work and prepare for Sunday’s game.”
