ASTON Villa provided the perfect response to their five-goal opening day hammering at Newcastle.
But the problems are mounting high for Everton boss Sean Dyche.
Aston Villa thumped Everton 4-0 as they bounced back from last week’s thrashing at Newcastle
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was forced off in the first half for Everton on his comeback
Douglas Luiz then got the second with a penalty following a Jordan Pickford foul
The form book pointed to a Villa win – this was their fifth successive Premier League victory over Everton, and they are unbeaten in nine games against the Merseysiders.
But if there were any doubts over Emery’s credentials after Villa were torn apart on Tyneside, they were soon put down to a bad day day at the office against Eddie Howe’s side.
Goals from skipper John McGinn, a Douglas Luiz penalty, Leon Bailey and Jhon Duran – his first for the club – highlighted Villa’s dominance.
But things look bleak for Everton – whose fans were streaming out well before the final whistle as their side slumped to the bottom of the two-game table.
Some awful defending – plus a wild challenge from keeper Jordan Pickford on Ollie Watkins to concede a penalty – allowed Villa to stroll to victory.
But Dyche also saw striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin come off with a huge swelling on his cheek following an earlier collision with Villa keeper Emi Martinez.
And, early in the second half, Alex Iwobi limped off to add to Everton’s woes.
It meant a second successive defeat for Everton who only threatened on occasions.
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Villa lost defender Tyrone Mings with a serious knee injury at St James’ Park – with Spanish defender Pau Torres taking his place.
The team lined up in t-shirts saying ‘We’re with you Ty’ before the game.
Villa were being watched by new signing Nicolo Zaniolo – who joined on loan from Galatasaray on Friday.
Emery’s side took the lead after 18 minutes when McGinn netted from close range.
Moussa Diaby fed Bailey on the right and he delivered a perfect cross for the Villa skipper who converted first time.
Villa moved into a two goal lead six minutes later after Pickford gave away a bizarre penalty.
Bailey was involved again as he set up Watkins in front of goal and he forced the ball past Pickford only for Nathan Patterson to clear off the line.
But Pickford collided with Watkins at the same time – and threw out an arm which did not connect with the Villa striker.
Ref Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot – despite Pickford’s protests and delaying tactics which earned him a booking. Luiz planted his spot kick into the bottom corner despite the England keeper guessing correctly.
There followed a minute’s applause from all corners of Villa Park in tribute to Michael Jones, who died from injuries suffered while working on the new Everton stadium site this week.
Villa were in charge and they almost made it three in the 33rd minute.
Ex-Everton defender Lucas Digne crossed for Diaby whose volley was pushed on to the inside of the post by Pickford.
Villa went close again moments later as Digne provided another cross which Pau Torres – making his full debut – failed to connect with. Watkins followed up but missed the ball and collided with the post.
But Everton posed a threat as nine minutes of first half stoppage time were announced.
Patterson threaded an inch-perfect pass for sub Arnaut Danjuma who forced Martinez to block at his near post.
But Everton started the second half with yet another setback as Iwobi was forced off.
Villa then scored the third goal they had been threatening.
Everton defender Michael Keane’s attempted interception only saw him divert the ball into Bailey’s path and the Jamaica international powered the ball home from eight yards out.
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran then grabbed the fourth just seconds after coming on
Villa wanted a fourth and they almost got it after 56 minutes when Diaby played in Watkins whose shot bounced just wide of the far post.
But Villa still needed to be alert at the back and sub Neal Maupay almost pulled one back with a close range volley that brought a brilliant stop from Martinez.
Emery made a triple substitution with Diego Carlos, Youri Tielemans and Philippe Coutinho coming on as Bailey limped off injured.
Emery would have been wary of keeping his players fresh for Wednesday’s Europa Conference League play-off clash with Hibs in Edinburgh.
But Villa’s fourth goal was another gift from Everton failing to organise themselves at the back – and again, Keane was at fault.
The Everton defender was taken by surprise as ex-Villa wide man Ashley Young’s throw-in was pounced on by sub Duran who raced in on goal and slid the ball past Pickford.
But Villa suffered a late blow of their own when Coutinho pulled up injured and had to come off after needing extensive treatment. It not look good for the Brazilian who had needed two people to help him back to the changing rooms.
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By: Gary Stonehouse
Title: Aston Villa 4 Everton 0: Bailey, McGinn and Co pile misery on Toffees in thrashing as Calvert-Lewin has nightmare return
Sourced From: www.thesun.co.uk/sport/23540547/aston-villa-vs-everton-live-score-latest-updates-kick-off-time-premier-league/
Published Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2023 15:14:00 +0000
