Everton have upset the odds to beat Aston Villa at Villa Park, in what is a huge result for David Moyes.
The Toffees were big underdogs going into the contest, with Aston Villa having been flying – especially at home.
But Everton produced a fantastic away performance in the Midlands, with Thierno Barry’s superb goal the difference between the two teams.
What a win! Everton fans, who was your Man of the Match against Aston Villa?
So many great performances 🔥
Everton got stung with a controversial VAR call in the first-half that saw Jake O’Brien’s goal ruled out for offside against Harrison Armstrong.
But Everton got their noses ahead in the second-half with a superb finish from Barry, and then some brilliant backs-to-the-wall defending helped see the game out for the visitors.
Here’s how Everton News rated today’s performers in blue.
Everton player ratings vs Aston Villa – Quartet get 8/10 as Thierno Barry scores stunner
Jordan Pickford – 7
Another solid showing from the Everton goalkeeper. Produced a stunning save in the 71st minute from Morgan Rogers which was similar to his one against Wolves the other day.
Nathan Patterson – 7
It was a tough game for him up against the speedy Ian Maatsen. Got forward but his crossing wasn’t great. Was much better in the second-half.
James Tarkowski – 8
Tarkowski kept things relatively tight at the back for Everton in the first 45 but was a tad sloppy with his passing at times. Absolutely immense in the second half.
Jake O’Brien – 8
Saw a goal chalked off for offside in frustrating circumstances. Produced a fine block moments later to deny Villa a potential goal. He and Tarkowski had all the answers in the second-half.
How good was Thierno Barry by the way? 🔥
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6
Fine defensively but didn’t offer much going forward.
James Garner – 8
Looked a class act in Everton’s midfield and was constantly available. Took a bit of a risk when he shoved Rogers over though when he was already on a yellow card. But just another really great performance from the midfield maestro. Booked.
Merlin Rohl – 7
Was unlucky to strike the post after just 10 seconds. Still had some frustrating moments on the ball but the German battled hard in midfield.
Harrison Armstrong – 7
Was adjudged to be interfering from an offside position on the O’Brien goal. But another astute performance from the teenager against a very good side.
Dwight McNeil – 6
A fairly average showing from McNeil, who can probably expect to lose his place to the returning Iliman Ndiaye in the next game against Leeds United. That said, it was his shot that forced the save that led to Barry’s goal, and his work rate was very good. Booked.
Jack Grealish – 7
Handled the occasion fairly well. Was constantly hacked at, but his ability to win free-kicks helped Everton disrupt Villa.
Thierno Barry – 8
Offered great physicality and won plenty of aerial duels. A truly fantastic finish to put Everton 1-0 up, reacting quickly to the loose ball, before dinking Emi Martinez from a tight angle. That’s three goals in his last four Premier League games now – let’s hope he can continue this goalscoring form for as long as possible. Replaced by Beto.
Substitutes
Beto – N/A
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