Down in Dorset in South West England, Bournemouth created history when stepping out onto the Deans Court pitch for their first top flight match in their 125-year existence.
Eddie Howe's Cherries dominated possession and created the better of the chances but it was Tim Sherwood's Aston Villa who came away with maximum points thanks to Rudy Gestede's debut goal.
The French-born Benin international rose above his marker to power home a header from Ashley Westwood's 72nd-minute corner to get Villa's season up and running.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Aston Villa: 1 (Rudy Gestede 72')
Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth - 11,155
Debutants: BOU - Artur Boruc and Josh King (club), Simon Francis, Tommy Elphick, Charlie Daniels, Steve Cook, Marc Pugh, Callum Wilson, Yann Kermorgant, Eunan O'Kane (all league), Max Gradel (club and league), Eddie Howe (league)
AV - Micah Richards and Rudy Gestede (club), Jordan Amavai, Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Veretout and Jordan Ayew (club and league)
TALKING POINTS
- Can Bournemouth's game style stand up to the rigours of the Premier League?
- Are Villa capable of climbing well away from the drop zone?
- Will Rudy Gestede's aerial presence make life tough for opposition defenders?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Bournemouth head to Liverpool while Villa prepare to host Manchester United.
TWITTER INSIGHT
Tonight was first match of the Season, we start with a important victory! Great teamwork! #AVFC#AstonVillapic.twitter.com/DANs4O80rz
— Carlos Sánchez (@SanchezCarlosA) August 8, 2015REACTION: Eddie Howe feels #afcb learned what the @premierleague is all about: http://t.co/OWWGBUPkKO#BOUAVLpic.twitter.com/HGm9DferKM
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) August 8, 2015