For nearly an hour Everton were the better team but Aston Villa thrashed the Toffees twice to snatch a 2-0 win at Goodison Park on Saturday.
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The defeat sees Everton (21 points) drop from 16th to 18th place, back in the relegation zone, due to results elsewhere in the Premier League this weekend. Leeds (22 points) and West Ham United (23), who were ranked 19th and 18th respectively going into Matchday 25, both won on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa (31 points) remain in 11th place as they move level on points with Chelsea in their quest for a top-half result.
Ollie Watkins scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute, extending his run to five consecutive games with one goal, leading the way with eight PL goals for Villa this season. Emiliano Buendía, who came off the bench shortly after the hour mark, helped Unai Emery’s men take control of the game before scoring goal no. 2 in 81.
SEE EVERTON vs ASTON VILLA REPLAY
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In a relegation battle, small margins make big differences
The game came to life shortly after the restart when Everton were denied the first goal in truly spectacular fashion on 55 minutes. Alex Iwobi’s opening shot headed wide but he came back into play after hitting Ezri Konsa who was sprawled on the ground at the baseline. The ball found its way to Neal Maupay who headed it towards goal, only for Tyrone Mings to run through the goal and kick clear.
Five minutes later, the roles were reversed as Jordan Pickford stretched to full length (and then some) to nail Watkins’ header, driving it inside the post but by no means clear. As he bounced into the face of the goal, James Tarkowski rushed onto the scene and carried him away.
Three minutes after that exchange of goal-line clearances, Idrissa Gueye slipped unnecessarily and clipped John McGinn to give Aston Villa a penalty, and that was it.
stars of the show
Photo: FotMob.com
Whats Next?
Up next for Everton is a trip to north London, where they will recapture their game and take on Premier League leaders Arsenal on Wednesday. Aston Villa will reclaim Crystal Palace at Villa Park next Saturday.
How to watch Everton vs Aston Villa live, streaming link and start time
Start: 10 a.m. ET, Saturday Online:Stream via Peacock Premium
Key stories and star players
In the 20 games leading up to Dyche’s appointment, Everton conceded 28 goals, kept only three clean sheets and won just three times in the PL; since his debut earlier this month, two goals conceded (both against Liverpool), two clean sheets and a pair of wins. Of course, the Toffees are yet to become a goalscoring giant (to no one’s surprise), with Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming back from his latest injury in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Leeds.
In Emery’s first seven games in charge, Aston Villa conceded just seven times, including three in a single game against Liverpool, before giving up four to Leicester, three to Manchester City and four to Arsenal in successive games. Needless to say, Saturday’s trip to Goodison couldn’t come at a better time for Villa’s defence.
