Everton beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League, their first win at Villa Park since March 2016. Thierno Barry scored the only goal of the game, ending Villa’s long home unbeaten run.
Villa had a chance to move ahead in the title race after Arsenal and Manchester City dropped points, and they had never lost to Everton in the league since Everton returned to the Premier League in 2019. But Everton nearly shocked them just 11 seconds into the match when Merlin Röhl’s shot hit the post.
Villa did have some good moments, with Morgan Rogers nearly scoring, but Everton began to dominate the game. They even had a goal ruled out just after the half-hour mark because Harrison Armstrong was offside when the ball was crossed in.
Villa looked stronger after half time, but Everton took the lead just before the hour mark. Dwight McNeil’s shot was saved by Emiliano Martínez, but Barry was first to react and calmly chipped the ball over the keeper.
Villa tried hard to come back and had several chances. Rogers came closest when his curling shot was saved by Jordan Pickford.
The defeat is a big blow for Villa, who have only won once in their last four Premier League games. They will need to improve if they want to keep their place in the top four.
Everton, meanwhile, will be pleased with the win. It is manager David Moyes’ first Premier League victory over Unai Emery, and Everton have now won four of their last six away league games.
