Ghana midfielder Christian Atsu sat out Bournemouth’s first-ever English Premier League match which ended in a 1-0 defeat to Jordan Ayew's Aston Villa at home.
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The on-loan winger picked up a back injury during a friendly against Yeovil and could not win the fitness race.
Benin international striker Rudy Gestede scored 13 minutes into his Aston Villa debut to give Tim Sherwood’s side an opening day victory.
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The 6ft 4ins striker, a £6million summer arrival from Blackburn, thumped home a header from an Ashley Westwood corner after coming on as a second-half substitute.