Aston Villa secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Everton on Saturday evening, with Jhon Duran’s stunning goal sealing the three points.
Despite controlling proceedings in the opening stages, Villa found themselves 2-0 down after conceding two poor goals with Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin putting the visitors in a commanding position.
READ MORE: Important boost on key Villa trio as Emery provides positive fitness update
However, Villa’s response was hugely impressive. Not only did we stay patient and composed, but we were methodical in the way in which we continued to probe and break Everton down, and ultimately we got our rewards.
Ollie Watkins bagged a vitally important brace to draw us level as he ended his goal drought, and it was Duran who struck from distance to bag yet another winning goal this season off the bench, as we made it three wins in four to start the Premier League season.
Aston Villa player ratings vs Everton:
Emiliano Martinez, 6 – Will arguably feel as though he could have done better in his efforts to prevent both goals. Didn’t have too much else to do, but his distribution was accurate and he was assured in the latter stages to help us hold on for the win.
Lamare Bogarde, 6.5 – Overall, another decent shift from the talented youngster. Did struggle at times defensively and was limited going forward barring one excellent pass to create a big goalscoring chance, but he continues to fill in well.
Ezri Konsa, 7 – Made a fundamental intervention to deny Calvert-Lewin, and he was an important physical presence at the back to win duels and snuff out Everton’s counter attacks with his recovery pace.
Pau Torres, 6 – Influential in possession as always, as his technical ability was key to our build-up play out from the back. However, he did struggle in his physical battle with Calvert-Lewin and that’s an area he must still improve in.
Lucas Digne, 6.5 – Great ball in to provide an assist for our first goal as Watkins headed home at the back post. Defended diligently and made some encouraging runs forward down the left flank to give us width.
Amadou Onana, 5.5 – Replaced at half-time after struggling in the opening 45 minutes. Was dispossessed for Everton’s opener, and he didn’t have the same influence and presence in midfield to give us a foothold in the game.
Youri Tielemans, 8 – Another classy display from the Belgian midfielder, as he’s very much now our creator and orchestrator in chief in the midfield pivot. Time and time again he showed his class by playing through the lines to get us on the front foot and attacking space in Everton’s half, while his probing balls over the top forced errors and created openings for our attacking players.
John McGinn, 6 – The Villa skipper put in a tireless shift as expected, and he was important in our ability to fight back and turn the game around. Limited impact in the attacking phase though as he’ll certainly want to provide a more decisive contribution moving forward.
Morgan Rogers, 7 – A constant threat with his ability to find pockets of space and drive forward with the ball at his feet. His finishing and end product is letting him down to start the season though, and so if he can add a clinical edge to his play, he’ll be a decisive figure week in and week out.
Jacob Ramsey, 6.5 – Showed flashes of quality with his link-up play in the final third and always provides clever movement in attacking areas. However, couldn’t quite make the difference at times, but another positive outing.
Ollie Watkins, 8 – Great to see him back amongst the goals, and that should be a major confidence boost for him moving forward. Admitted after the game that he’s still not 100 percent physically, but it was crucial for him to get on the scoresheet, and he could have had more if he had been more clinical.
Substitutes:
Ross Barkley, 7 – Important impact in midfield in the second half, as he helped Villa dictate and control possession and tempo, which in turn allowed us to build sustained pressure and find openings.
Ian Maatsen, 6.5 – Made positive runs forward to add a new dynamic to our play and was diligent defensively. Should have had an assist after creating a great chance for Watkins, but it was a promising outing as he fights for a bigger role.
Jhon Duran, 8 – What a goal. While the strike in itself was sensational, that’s now three winners already this season from the 20-year-old. He raced around putting Everton under pressure too, and so aside from the winning contributions, he’s making a really positive impression every time he comes on and is showing that’s got the right attitude and mentality to put the team first and show his quality.
Emiliano Buendia, N/A – Great to see him back, hopefully continues to build his minutes now as he showed a deft touch and flair to help speed up our build-up play.
Jaden Philogene, N/A
