Premier League: Everton squander another lead
Aston Villa 3 - 2 Everton
Jhon Duran’s stunning long-range strike secured a dramatic Premier League comeback win for Aston Villa, as Everton collapsed from a 2-0 lead for the second game in a row.
Everton were left reeling, having already thrown away a two-goal advantage in their previous match against Bournemouth, and Saturday brought a painful sense of déjà vu as they squandered another lead, leaving them still without a point this season.
A closer look at what happened
Villa started strongly, with Ollie Watkins’ header cleared off the line, but it was Everton who struck first. Dwight McNeil dispossessed former teammate Amadou Onana – much to the delight of the travelling fans – before surging forward and firing a precise shot into the bottom corner.
Despite their struggles and lack of confidence, Sean Dyche’s side extended their lead in the 27th minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin rose highest to powerfully head home. However, Villa quickly responded. Ex-Everton full-back Lucas Digne delivered a teasing cross to the back post, where Watkins nodded in his first goal of the season.
With a Champions League campaign looming, Unai Emery’s side showed their resilience, levelling the score when Watkins pounced on a wayward clearance from Jack Harrison to slot in from close range.
Villa’s comeback was completed 14 minutes from time in spectacular fashion. Colombian forward Duran collected the ball 25 yards from goal before unleashing a swerving, dipping shot that flew into the top corner, leaving Jordan Pickford helpless.
The most played fixture in English league history
It once again provided a thrilling spectacle as Villa fought back magnificently, avoiding what could have been consecutive home defeats.
Since taking over from Steven Gerrard in October 2022, Emery has done a remarkable job, guiding Villa from the brink of relegation to a fourth-place finish last season, securing Champions League football. Villa, European Cup winners in 1982, are now preparing to face Young Boys in just three days.
They warmed up for the occasion with a hard-fought win over an Everton side who looked set for a surprise result on the road. Watkins ended his eight-game goal drought by scoring twice and nearly completed a hat-trick, but his effort went just wide. In the end, it was Duran who stole the show with his thunderous strike.
Duran’s wonder goal was the perfect finish to a thrilling game, lifting Villa to third in the table, with their only blemish so far being a loss to title contenders Arsenal.
What next for Everton? It looks like it's going to be another long season for them.
