Surprise team Aston Villa dropped points against Sean Dyche’s physical Everton. Two would-be goals were scored at Goodison Park – but neither counted
With three defeats under their belts, Everton arrived as underdogs, but were initially more energetic in front of their home crowd. The opening phase belonged to the Toffees, who created chances straight away. However, Danjuma failed to hit a volley (5′) and Garner a direct free-kick from a promising position (10′).
After just under a quarter of an hour, Villa finally got their feet on the ground in forward play and the PS gradually took to the road. Goal-getter Watkins failed to score from a tight angle, but a little later Alex Moreno scored from a corner (18). But Bailey had been offside beforehand – the VAR intervened. However, it took him four minutes to reach a decision
Martinez’s strong double save
Unai Emery’s side had more than 70 percent possession as the game wore on, but struggled to cope with the physical compactness of Sean Dyche’s side. Bailey’s next good chance came somewhat by chance – Pickford saved in the near corner (28′).
Villa’s world champion keeper Martinez was pretty much out of action for a long time, but was called into action in the 45th minute: Danjuma sent Calvert-Lewin through with a dream pass to the Argentinian, who made a strong save with his foot and also parried Garner’s follow-up shot. So it went into the half-time break without a goal
This time Villa came out immediately dominant, at least dominating the ball. Everton remained the expected unpleasant opponents who were content with pinpricks.
After just under an hour, the Toffees opened their sights – and quickly regretted it. Watkins immediately had a chance to counter-attack (58′) and McGinn had an even closer call (60′). Danjuma also came close in this open phase (61), but from then on the home side played more conservatively again
Short jubilation at Goodison Park
The statics remained unchanged. Villa tried to be patient, Everton lurked on the counter-attack. Both concepts almost worked in the closing minutes. However, the visitors were unable to finish off a double chance through Cash and McGinn (86′) or a top-class strike from joker Duran (87′); Doucouré, who broke through, gave the Evertonians a brief chance to cheer, but was clearly offside (88′). It remained a goalless draw
Aston Villa failed to catch up with leaders Liverpool on points in the table. But the 1982 European Cup winners will remain in the top four. Everton at least picked up a point after three league defeats in a row
