Premier League GW21 - Everton vs Aston Villa

Everton vs Aston Villa | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Everton and Aston Villa engaged in a fierce struggle at Goodison Park with both teams trying to gain vital points in the Premier League standings. There was a lot of excitement as Villa looked to tie the table with Liverpool and Everton looked to end a losing run.

Everton:

For Toffees supporters, the Halcyon Days of four consecutive Premier League wins weren't all that long ago (indeed, it was just last month). This run helped eliminate the 10-point deduction for violating the Profit and Sustainability guidelines, a penalty the club is currently appealing. Three points today would be greatly appreciated as Luton Town's draw with Burnley on Friday keeps Sean Dyche's team clear of the bottom three on goal differential. Since then, though, the team has gone six games without a win in all competitions.

Aston Villa:

Villa, on the other hand, are playing fantastically; in their last 13 games in all competitions, they have only lost once, and even in that game, they let a two-goal lead slip away to lose 3-2 at Manchester United. With a victory today, Unai Emery's team would draw even with Liverpool, who lead the table. Liverpool's next Premier League game is on January 21 at Bournemouth. A strong incentive to return to the Midlands having secured three points.

Line ups:

EVERTON (4-2-3-1):

Jordan Pickford; Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko; Amadou Onana, James Garner; Jack Harrison, Abdoulaye Doucoure; Arnaut Danjuma; Dominic Calvert-Lewin

EVERTON SUBSTITUTES: Joao Virginia, Nathan Patterson, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Andre Gomes, Dwight McNeil, Lewis Dobbin, Youssef Chermiti, Beto

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1):

Emiliano Martinez; Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Clement Lenglet, Alex Moreno; Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz; Leon Bailey, John McGinn, Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins

ASTON VILLA SUBSTITUTES: Filip Marschall, James Wright, Matty Cash, Youri Tielemans, Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran, Leander Dendoncker, Tim Iroegbuman

Goodison Park Stadium | Picture Credits: Football Ground Guide

First Half: VAR Drama and Missed Opportunities

Tension ran high in the first half, which started with an almost hilarious accident as Martinez of Villa barely avoided danger. The pivotal moment occurred in the eighteenth minute when VAR intervened after Moreno appeared to have scored a fantastic goal. Everton made it through the scare, with arguments for offside and blocked vision being discussed extensively.

Everton had a fantastic chance to take the lead as injury time drew near. Martinez found himself one-on-one with Calvert-Lewin thanks to Danjuma's exquisite throughball, but the striker's effort went through the goalkeeper's gloves. The first half ended goalless but not without drama as Garner tested Martinez from a distance and had another opportunity.

The scoreboard remained unaltered when both teams retired to their dressing rooms for the half. Even though Villa dominated possession, Everton's opportunities suggested a game that was still to be won. Who would take the lead in the second half was the major question that loomed.

Second Half: Scrappy Affair and Late Drama

The second half was a scrappy affair, with obstacles and hiccups interfering with the action. In the 60th minute, McGinn had a chance for Villa to break the tie, but his left-footed shot went just wide.

The suspense built to a crescendo as the game was about to end. Duran's touch went agonizingly wide for Villa's late chance, but Doucoure of Everton seemingly hit the net, lighting up Goodison Park. The home crowd's euphoria was, however, dampened by the linesman's flag, and the game ended in a thrilling 0-0 stalemate.

Fair Result Reflects Tight Contest

Ultimately, the goalless draw reflected a fiercely contested match. Everton's marginally superior xG suggested that there were chances lost, particularly Calvert-Lewin's in the first half. Villa's late efforts and disallowed goal demonstrated their offensive capabilities, but in the end, both sides had to settle for a point apiece.

Everton is now one point above the relegation zone as a result of the draw, while Villa is still well-positioned in the top division. This match at Goodison Park opens a new chapter in the unpredictable and exciting story of the Premier League.

0-0 score in the first half as both teams struggled to score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Even after many attempts both teams failed to score a goal | Picture Credits: Premier League Website