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Aston Villa headed to Merseyside to take on Everton for the Saturday lunch-time kick-off looking to return to winning ways.
Villa had failed to win in their last four Premier League games despite impressing in them all. Everton on the other hand have recently sacked Rafael Benitez as Duncan Ferguson returned to the dugout in a caretaker role. Evertonians had the bit between the teeth and Villa knew they would have to fight for everything if they were to take all three points from Goodison Park.
John McGinn returned to the starting line-up following suspension as Morgan Sanson dropped to the bench. Phillipe Coutinho was handed his starting debut following an impressive cameo against Manchester United last week.
Villa expected a battle and it’s exactly what they got despite the hosts failing to register a single shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
Steven Gerrard’s men took the lead just before the half-time whistle. Former Everton full-back Lucas Digne whipped in a corner where Emi Buendia looped a header past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The result was marred as Digne was hit with a bottle of pop while celebrating the goal, with a supporter later arrested and charged.
Everton managed 15 shots on goal in the second half but Villa dug their heels in and defended very well to bring all three points back to the Midlands.
The Good
- In previous years, Villa would have drawn and quite possibly lost this game. We weren’t great but given how much Everton was up for the game, we were able to be the party poopers and hold on to all three points.
- Emi Buendia goes from strength to strength under Gerrard and is making himself almost undroppable. Not only is he contributing to goals but his work rate is second to none.
- New Chants and about time! I always respect anyone who can think of a catchy football chant. You may not like them all but it’s not easy to make one up and it’s just as difficult to get it to catch on. Both Coutinho and Emi Martinez had new chants sung for them the weekend which only improves the atmosphere and matchday experience.
The Bad
- I briefly touched upon it. The bottle incident. They don’t represent Everton fans as a whole because the vast majority are good football fans who have many similarities as Villa fans. That one fan let the whole club and maybe football down with this incident and it can only be good that both the club and police acted so swiftly.
- We managed to get a win despite not being at our best but we need to start consistently getting performances together. Gerrard now has two weeks before his next game and he has described it as a mini pre-season so will be able to stamp more of his influence on this side.
Up Next
Aston Villa v Leeds United
Wednesday, 9th February 2022
Kick-Off: 20.00
Live Match Chat
Aston Villa will be looking to string a few positive results together but don’t right Leeds off despite underperforming this season. They will be well up for this game.
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