Teenager Rayan scored his first goal in English football as Bournemouth held Aston Villa to a draw, denying the visitors the chance to move second in the Premier League.
Villa struck first with their opening effort on target in the 22nd minute when Morgan Rogers combined neatly with Jadon Sancho before smashing a high finish past the Bournemouth goalkeeper.
The hosts had already threatened through Rayan, who headed against the crossbar in the first half, and the 19-year-old made his mark shortly after the restart.
On his first start since joining from Vasco da Gama for an initial £24.7m, the Brazilian collected the ball near the right touchline, burst away from Lucas Digne and slid a low shot beyond Emiliano Martinez to level the contest.
Bournemouth pushed for a winner and came closest when substitute Ryan Christie forced a superb save from Martinez, who tipped his effort over the bar.
Villa, who would have climbed above Manchester City with victory, remain third.
They are level on points with City but have played a game more and now sit nine points behind leaders Arsenal following the Gunners’ win over Sunderland.
Aston Villa’s impressive run earlier in the season raised hopes of a genuine title challenge, but this draw added to a growing sense that their ambitions are fading.
Unai Emery’s side have now taken just eight points from their last seven league matches and again struggled to build on a promising position.
Ollie Watkins, back after missing defeat by Brentford, had an early goal ruled out for offside before Rogers put Villa ahead.
However, Villa failed to capitalise, managing only four shots on target as Bournemouth took control after the break. Martinez was forced into seven saves to preserve a point.
With the title slipping out of reach, Champions League qualification now looks the most realistic objective.
Villa remain well placed in the top five, eight points clear of sixth-placed Liverpool, albeit having played a game more.
Bournemouth continue to defy expectations despite regularly selling key players, and their latest recruit already looks like another smart piece of business.
Signed in January to replace Antoine Semenyo, Rayan followed up an encouraging substitute appearance at Wolves by seizing his first start.
He was unfortunate not to score in the first half after heading against the bar, but his equaliser showcased his pace, confidence and composure.
The Cherries created enough chances to win, with Evanilson and Christie both denied by Martinez in a dominant second-half display.
Head coach Andoni Iraola praised the youngster’s impact but felt his side deserved more than a draw, believing Bournemouth had done enough to claim all three points.
