Aston Villa missed the opportunity to move up to second place in the Premier League as Everton produced a disciplined and deserved away win at Villa Park.
Unai Emery’s side arrived on an 11-game home winning streak, but Everton ended that run thanks to a calm second-half finish from Thierno Barry, capping an impressive display from David Moyes’ team.
The visitors nearly took the lead inside the opening minute when Merlin Rohl raced on to a long clearance and struck the post with a low effort after just 11 seconds.
Moyes was then left frustrated when Jake O’Brien’s header from a corner was disallowed following a VAR check for offside against Harrison Armstrong.
Villa had their moments, particularly after captain John McGinn was forced off early with a knee injury.
His replacement, Evann Guessand, came close to breaking the deadlock when he headed against the crossbar with Jordan Pickford beaten.
However, it was Everton who found the decisive moment just before the hour mark.
Emiliano Martinez failed to deal cleanly with Dwight McNeil’s shot and Barry reacted quickest, lifting a composed finish over the stranded goalkeeper.
Villa pushed for an equaliser and Pickford produced an outstanding save to keep out Morgan Rogers, but Everton held firm to secure a significant victory.
The result leaves Villa level on points with Manchester City but still seven behind leaders Arsenal, their hopes of closing the gap frustrated by an unconvincing performance.
Villa entered the match in buoyant mood, but the early injury to McGinn appeared to disrupt their rhythm and they struggled to find intensity thereafter.
While there were flashes of threat, particularly from Rogers and Guessand, the hosts lacked their usual urgency and creativity.
Martinez’s error proved costly, and despite sustained pressure late on, Villa rarely looked like forcing an equaliser.
Emery cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as Everton’s organisation and energy blunted Villa’s attack.
For Everton, this was arguably their most complete performance of the season.
They were aggressive from the outset, strong in midfield and dangerous on the counter-attack.
Barry rewarded Moyes’ faith with a classy finish, continuing a run of improved form, while Rohl and teenage midfielder Armstrong impressed with mature performances.
Behind them, Pickford was assured, marshalled by the dependable pairing of James Tarkowski and O’Brien.
If Everton can bring this level of consistency to their home form, Moyes’ hopes of pushing toward the European places may yet become realistic.
