Aston Villa vs Everton Report

Scorers: Watkins 36’, 58’, Duran 76’; McNeil 16’, Calvert-Lewin 27’

Aston Villa overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Everton at Villa Park, with Jhon Durán’s stunning long-range strike sealing the comeback. This marks the second successive Premier League game in which Everton have surrendered a two-goal lead.

Everton Take Shock Early Lead

Aston Villa, brimming with confidence after winning their last five games following international breaks, started brightly. Ollie Watkins had an early chance, but his close-range header was blocked on the line by Iliman Ndiaye.

Despite Villa’s early dominance, it was Everton who took a surprising lead in the 16th minute. Dwight McNeil, capitalising on a mistake by former Everton player Amadou Onana, advanced to the edge of the box and struck a brilliant finish into the far corner.

Everton Double Their Advantage

Buoyed by McNeil’s opener, Everton soon doubled their lead. Dominic Calvert-Lewin timed his run perfectly to meet McNeil’s inviting delivery, heading home to put the visitors 2-0 up just before the half-hour mark.

This goal appeared to spark Aston Villa into life, and they began to mount a response. Morgan Rogers went close twice for Unai Emery’s side before Lucas Digne lofted a cross to the back post, where Watkins converted to halve the deficit.

Villa Fight Back in the Second Half

Carrying the momentum from their late first-half goal, Villa pushed forward in the second half. Jordan Pickford initially came to Everton’s rescue, denying Rogers from close range.

However, there was little the Everton goalkeeper could do when Watkins pounced on a loose touch from Jack Harrison in the box, finishing coolly to draw Aston Villa level at 2-2.

The game remained an end-to-end contest, with chances at both ends. Rogers missed a simple cut-back for Watkins, while Michael Keane squandered a good headed chance for Everton.

Jhon Durán’s Spectacular Winner

As the match entered the final 20 minutes, Unai Emery introduced Jhon Durán to add firepower to Villa’s attack.

The Colombian made an immediate impact, unleashing a spectacular 30-yard strike into the top corner to complete Villa’s comeback and send Villa Park into raptures.

Everton, under Sean Dyche, nearly found an instant equaliser when Calvert-Lewin crashed an effort against the bar, but it was the closest they would come. Aston Villa held firm to secure a thrilling 3-2 win, extending their unbeaten run in head-to-head meetings with Everton to 11 matches (W8, D3).

Conclusion

Aston Villa’s comeback victory over Everton was a testament to their resilience and attacking prowess.

Jhon Durán’s stunning winner capped off a thrilling match, while Everton will be left to rue another instance of surrendering a two-goal lead. Villa’s win further solidifies their dominant record in this fixture, continuing their impressive form this season.

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Aston Villa v Everton, 2024/25 | Premier League