Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins set a club record for goals scored in Premier League matches as they defeated Everton 2-0, ending Sean Dyche's 100% home record and sending Everton back into the bottom three.
Aston Villa's victory has propelled them up to 11th place and put them level on points with Chelsea in the top half of the table. Their next matchup is against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, live on Sky Sports.
Goals
Ollie Watkins scored his fifth goal in as many matches to lead Aston Villa to a thrilling 2-0 victory at Goodison Park. This feat also broke the club's Premier League record for goals from open play, which had stood at two since October last year.
After a largely dull opening half, the Toffees had an excellent chance to open the scoring when Dwight McNail's free-kick caused havoc in Villa's box. Maupay's header was cleared off the line by Tyrone Mings and Watkins had half a chance after being played in behind Pickford.
Everton struggled to break through Villa's defensive wall, but substitute Emi Buendia finally secured victory eight minutes from time. The Argentinean striker had only scored once in three league matches this season and slammed home from outside the box to hand Unai Emery his first loss as Villa boss.
Watkins & Buendia
Everton have now lost three of their last four Premier League matches after a poor performance against Aston Villa left them struggling to stay with the top teams. That result, combined with wins for West Ham United and Leeds United, saw Everton slip back into the bottom three.
For long periods, the hosts held a commanding lead but failed to score a decisive goal. Their inability to convert chances into goals left them vulnerable. Their first chance came in the 9th minute when Ollie Watkins darted forward down the left and cut inside all defenders.
Unfortunately, their shot dragged wide of the near post. Everton had another opportunity in the 50th minute when Maupay bundled over John McGinn to give themselves a free-kick just outside the box.
Everton made a valiant effort for an early lead, but it was Watkins who struck first with his confidently taken penalty kick in the 63rd minute to break Villa's record for most goals scored in a Premier League match. Substitute Emiliano Buendia added another goal eight minutes later to seal victory for Everton.
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Everton’s poor defending
Everton's lackluster defense has seen them slip back into the bottom three with their latest loss to Aston Villa. The Toffees have now lost five of their past six Premier League matches and are just one point above relegation territory.
Unai Emery must address his side's lack of goals, which has been an issue throughout this season. With 17 goals scored in 24 matches so far this campaign, Toffees fans were expecting much more from them than what was delivered.
Everton were poor in the final third despite being the superior team. Watkins opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 63 minutes and Emi Buendia made it 2-0 eight minutes later.
Watkins' goal in his fifth successive match for Villa makes him the first player to achieve this feat since Paul Rideout did so in January 1985.
Aston Villa’s attacking threat
Aston Villa's offensive threat was always going to be a key element in any game against Everton. Watkins proved his worth throughout, scoring his first goal since 2022 - breaking Villa's record for goals against Everton.
Scott Chickelday, striker coach to Alex, worked with him this summer on improving his ability to finish opportunities. According to Chickelday:
"I think Ollie has a knack for this," he tells us. "He can deliver on both feet."
He possesses the talent to score from dead ball situations, making him one of only a few Premier League players to create more potential assists than any other fullback in four seasons.
Source: اهم مباريات اليوم
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