MARK Travers was on sensational form against Aston Villa at the weekend, with a man-of-the-match performance showing just what he is capable of in an AFC Bournemouth shirt.

The 25-year-old was called into the side after Chelsea loanee Kepa Arrizabalaga was ruled out with an abductor issue, and Travers was hugely impressive, making crucial saves in both halves.

The Irish stopper was finally beaten in the 76th minute, but he made a total of seven saves in the match, keeping two big Villa chances out and keeping the Champions League side at bay for much of the 90.

Andoni Iraola praised Travers afterwards, saying: “I think he kept us in the game in the difficult moments.

“Him, also with the centre backs, they were dealing with difficult duels.

“I think we've gone through these difficult periods together, especially because the defensive side of the team, including Mark, has helped us a lot.”

(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire) Another player who made an important impact for the Cherries was second half substitute Evanilson, who dropped to the bench in the league for the first time since joining the club in the summer.

The Brazilian forward was bright after he came on in the 64th minute, and he scored the last-gasp equaliser to snatch Bournemouth a point with what was almost the last action of the game.

The striker diverted a pinpoint Marcus Tavernier free kick from the left into the far corner of Emiliano Martinez’s Villa goal.

On Evanilson’s goal, Iraola said: “Definitely he has this goal in his locker, but it was a difficult one.

“It was not an easy header that he should score, it’s a lovely cross, but he has to do still a lot to score the goal.

“I'm happy for him because I think he's pushing a lot, he's working a lot, and I think he deserves it.

“It doesn't matter if I think he made a difference against Arsenal, for example, but as the number nine, we all judge him because the number of goals he scored or doesn't score, we try not to do it, but obviously it will help him and everyone was happy for him.”