avillafan
·24 January 2022
avillafan
·24 January 2022
Aston Villa headed to Merseyside to take on Everton for the Saturday lunch-time kick-off looking to return to winning ways.
Villa had failed to win in their last four Premier League games despite impressing in them all. Everton on the other hand have recently sacked Rafael Benitez as Duncan Ferguson returned to the dugout in a caretaker role. Evertonians had the bit between the teeth and Villa knew they would have to fight for everything if they were to take all three points from Goodison Park.
John McGinn returned to the starting line-up following suspension as Morgan Sanson dropped to the bench. Phillipe Coutinho was handed his starting debut following an impressive cameo against Manchester United last week.
Villa expected a battle and it’s exactly what they got despite the hosts failing to register a single shot on goal in the opening 45 minutes.
Steven Gerrard’s men took the lead just before the half-time whistle. Former Everton full-back Lucas Digne whipped in a corner where Emi Buendia looped a header past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The result was marred as Digne was hit with a bottle of pop while celebrating the goal, with a supporter later arrested and charged.
Everton managed 15 shots on goal in the second half but Villa dug their heels in and defended very well to bring all three points back to the Midlands.
Wednesday, 9th February 2022 Kick-Off: 20.00
Aston Villa will be looking to string a few positive results together but don’t right Leeds off despite underperforming this season. They will be well up for this game.