Aston Villa's long-standing dominance over Everton at Villa Park came to an abrupt end as the Toffees claimed a 1-0 Premier League victory, courtesy of a sharp second-half finish from Thierno Barry. The result marked Everton's first league win over Villa since 2016 and brought an end to the hosts' formidable home run, Softfootball reports.
With Arsenal having dropped points in a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest yesterday , this fixture presented Villa with a real opportunity to narrow the gap at the top. Instead, Unai Emery's side produced a flat display and were left frustrated as a disciplined Everton side executed their game plan to perfection.
The visitors nearly delivered a seismic shock almost immediately, with Merlin Rohl striking the post inside the opening moments after combining neatly with Barry. That early warning set the tone, as Everton played with freedom and belief, unsettling a Villa side that struggled to impose their usual rhythm.
