Everton secured a 1-0 win away at Villa Park on Sunday afternoon, with Thierno Barry netting the only goal of the game.
David Moyes’ side came into this clash as the big underdogs as they were still in search of their first win of 2026.
But, Everton managed to upset Villa, as they produced a near-perfect away performance against the third-placed outfit.
The Toffees were even on the end of a controversial VAR decision, which prevented them from taking the lead in the first half through Jake O’Brien.
Did VAR make the correct decision to disallow O’Brien’s goal? ❌
They had to dig deep to hold onto their lead in the final 20 minutes, and one moment left Chris Sutton and Dion Dublin blown away.
Chris Sutton and Dion Dublin wowed by Jordan Pickford save vs Aston Villa
With Everton 1-0 up heading into the final stages, Moyes’ side were forced to drop deeper to preserve the clean sheet.
The Villans were really piling the pressure on, and it looked for all the world as though Morgan Rogers was about to equalise with a stunning curling strike into the top corner.
But, quite incredibly, Jordan Pickford managed to push it over the bar, and it turned out to be a match-winning save.
What a win! Everton fans, who was your Man of the Match against Aston Villa?
So many great performances 🔥
Chris Sutton and Dion Dublin were full of praise for Pickford’s heroic save.
Sutton said: “What a save that is from Pickford. He gets his feet going, that’s the key, and then a big left hand. A tremendous save!”
Dublin added: “Morgan Rogers had no right at all to strike that on the angle and it is going in the top corner. Jordan Pickford has to shuffle across and he makes an unbelievable left-handed save. One for the cameras. Well done sir.”
Everton move back into the top 10
Victory for Everton moves them back into the top half of the Premier League, and they’re now within touching distance of the European spots.
The Merseysiders reside on 32 points, just one point behind seventh-placed Brentford and two behind Chelsea in sixth.
Moyes has consistently said Europe is the aim this season, so his side are certainly well-placed to achieve that feat.
Perhaps with a couple of additions in the winter transfer market, they could even challenge for the Europa League spots.
Alan Myers reckons Everton could make three new signings before the window slams shut, with a striker and two full-backs on the agenda.
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