Aston Villa 0-1 Everton: Unai Emery’s side had a chance to go as close as four points to Arsenal, but Tierno Barry’s goal ended their winning streak at Villa Park with 11 points.
Aston Villa failed to take advantage of setbacks by both Arsenal and Manchester City (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
What should have been a big chance for Aston Villa ended up being a lucky day for Arsenal. Everton snatched an unlikely but well-deserved hard-fought victory, ending Villa’s incredible run of 11 consecutive home wins in all competitions.
Instead of closing the gap on Arsenal to just four points, Villa were still seven points behind the leaders, leaving them in third place behind Manchester City. In retrospect, Arsenal’s draw at Nottingham Forest added one point to their leaders’ challengers rather than dropping two points.
The three-horse title race has taken another turn, and after City’s defeat in the Manchester derby, it felt like an incredible chance wasted by Unai Emery’s side. What was even more worrying for Villa was another injury that saw them lose John McGinn after just 18 minutes, leaving the team short on options and starting to show signs of fatigue.
Boubacar Camara is already out, sold Donyell Malen this week and scored on his Roma debut when he could have used the extra energy off the bench when his legs were tired. Morgan Rodgers gave his all in his 100th appearance for Villa, but even he couldn’t find the breakthrough this time.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page.
read more: Mikel Arteta admits Bukayo Saka injury concern ahead of big week for Arsenalread more: Mikel Arteta warns ‘be careful’ after Arsenal vs Notum Forest outburst
Youri Tielemans played well, covering two players in midfield, but was unable to break free of Everton’s solid and defiant defence. By the time the final whistle blew, even the home fans were empty. He had given up hope after a disappointing day at Villa Park.
They have enjoyed some brilliant wins and dominant performances, but this day belonged to Everton, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking out about how much he owes former Everton manager and mentor David Moyes. Moyes went to the traveling fans at the final whistle and paid tribute to their great support and how much they loved Tierno Barry’s wonderful second-half goal that sealed the win.
It was a brilliant improvisational skill and it wasn’t a close call as the visitors also hit the post and had it ruled out for offside by VAR. Villa manager Emery has frankly been underperforming stats and xG expectations all season, but now that some of his hard-earned luck has run out, it’s clear he may need some help in the transfer market.
Are Aston Villa still in the title race? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Tierno Barry broke the deadlock in the second half (Image: Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images)
There were also no options off the bench as teenager George Hemmings (18) was benched for only his second senior appearance. they are in dire need of help. Everton were excellent throughout but could have taken the lead just 10 seconds after Marlin Rohr’s shot hit the post.
McGinn then left and Villa missed him. Tielemans’ brilliant slide-rule pass replaced McGinn with Evan Gesand, who curled his modest shot past keeper Jordan Pickford. Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko saw his shot deflect over Emiliano Martinez.
Then the moment of real controversy. Everton defender Jake O’Brien headed home the goal, but the shot was ruled out by VAR as Harrison Armstrong was deemed offside and obstructed Emiliano Buendia in the box. I couldn’t see much inside.
David Moyes beat Unai Emery (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Guesand’s header hit the bar before half-time, but despite the pressure and possession Villa created few clear-cut chances in the second half. Pickford made one super save from Rodgers but nothing else.
Everton then put the cat in the pigeons in the 59th minute. Villa defender Pau Torres was unable to control the ball in front of the box and Martinez saved Dwight McNeil’s shot, only to push it into the danger area.
Barry, who had scored just one goal in his first 18 appearances in the Premier League, managed to chip the ball past Martinez and just inside the far post, scoring his third goal in four games and giving Everton their most unlikely victory.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
