Olly Watkins broke the deadlock to put Aston Villa ahead in the 51st minute in David Moyes’ return to Everton at Goodison Park in the Premier League.
England forward Watkins collected a sharp pass from Morgan Rodgers and slotted past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to score his ninth goal of the season.
“Isn’t it only Villa who are at their best?” former Leeds forward Lucy Ward asked on TNT Sport, praising Ezri Konsa’s “fantastic” role in the move.
“They are very quick on the pitch. Morgan Rodgers goes for the loose ball – Everton will be disappointed with this – and Watkins creates distance from his marker and rolls the ball past Pickford.”
Ollie Watkins breaks the deadlock against Goodison thanks to great play from Morgan Rodgers! 🔥
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Everton vs Villa: Watkins score
Moyes will be away from football for eight months as he begins his second stint as Toffees manager on Monday, replacing Sean Dyche after the former Burnley boss was sacked by new owners Friedkin Group. put an end to the withdrawal of
Only bottom-of-the-table Southampton have won and scored fewer points this season than Everton, who are one point above the relegation zone.
The first half was lively and both teams had chances, but Villa had a good position and Jacob Ramsey’s shot went just wide of the target.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who Moyes has asked him to add immediately to his two goals this season, also posed a threat for the hosts.
Welcome to Goodison Park, David Moyes 👏
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/dXVgQzIPHm
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Watkins “remained calm”
“That’s what Villa looked like in the first half, a bit of composure and quality in front of goal,” Ward said.
“Pickford knew he had to go out and engage, but Watkins kept his cool. To be fair to Pickford, he was left completely exposed. ”
A third straight win in all competitions would see Villa move ahead of Bournemouth into seventh place, level on points with Manchester City.
Everton are without a win in their last five Premier League games, failing to score in four of those and losing their previous two.
