Everton climbed back into the top half of the Premier League on Sunday by beating Aston Villa – and there was a moment towards the end that would have left David Moyes especially pleased.
Everton beat Villa 1-0 at Villa Park, giving an outstanding away performance in the Midlands.
Despite missing a number of key players again, Everton produced a superb display with pretty much every player performing well.
How good was Thierno Barry by the way? 🔥
Thierno Barry got the only goal of the game to make in three in four for him in the Premier League.
Everton fans felt James Garner was the standout performer against Villa, and calls for the midfielder to get a first England call-up have never been louder.
But it was also another great day at the office for young Harrison Armstrong – and one moment he had towards the end of the game was truly refreshing to see.
Harrison Armstrong vs Matty Cash was further suggestion Everton gem is ready
Towards the end of the game, Everton were working really hard to see out the contest.
Villa were applying pressure, as they sought to salvage a point, and every Everton player needed to be fully concentrated.
In the 94th minute, the ball went out wide to Villa full-back Matty Cash. Quick as a flash, Everton midfielder Armstrong went sliding into him, taking the ball and a bit of the man.
Cash didn’t take kindly to the challenge, got up and gave the Everton youngster a push.
Has Harrison Armstrong done enough to stay at Everton? 🤔
But it was great to see Armstrong not back down and engage with his much more experienced opponent.
He pushed back, laughed in the Villa man’s face before sensibly moving away.
In that moment, Armstrong showed that, not only does he have the talent – but has the guts and personality to thrive in the intense Premier League.
Armstrong should be kept at Everton
The Villa game was Armstrong’s biggest Everton audition yet, and he did superbly well.
He now has a very good chance of starting against Leeds on Monday, and that will again be another opportunity to increase his standing with the manager.
But there is perhaps an argument to say that Armstrong has already done enough.
Of course, he still has years of developing to do.
But Armstrong has given a few great performances now, and potentially he might actually benefit more from being around the first-team for the rest of the season picking minutes up here and there.
We know Moyes has been keen to send Armstrong back to Preston.
But after Villa we got the first hint from Moyes that Armstrong could stay at Everton. Hopefully the manager will keep him around in light of these fantastic and fearless displays.
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