FAN REPORT | ASTON VILLA 2-1 EVERTON

After the debacle of Bournemouth on the Premier League’s Opening Day – and the twisted narrative around Tyrone Mings and Steven Gerrard’s relationship – players, staff and fans alike were demanding a response as Villa faced Everton at a sweltering Villa Park.

RESPONSE REQUIRED AND DELIVERED

Although the weather and anticipation of being back at ‘home’ had Villa fans in positive moods, there remained a sense that disquiet was only another 90 minutes away. Ultimately Villa and Gerrard delivered that response and sent the capacity crowd contented back into the August heat.

From the start Villa were on it, showing exactly the drive and forward thrust that many felt lacking on the South coast seven days previously. Jacob Ramsey drove into the Everton box, the sort of run that seemed to be lacking as he tired towards the end of last season. New captain John McGinn fizzed a ball into the Everton box before Ramsey again drove forward and combined with Lucas Digne. Not for the last time the Frenchman’s delivery lacked conviction.

VILLA DOMINATE BUT LACK CUTTING EDGE

Everton struggled to gain any foothold in the opening exchanges, Diego Carlos laying down a marker with a no-frills clearance from a hopeful Iwobi through ball. Villa dominated the ball as the game approached the first quarte of the hour – with Boubacar Kamara regularly trying the out ball to the left and Lucas Digne. Ramsay joined in at times but again not for the last time, the lack of either Danny Ings or Ollie Watkins in the penalty area ruled out the dangerous early cross.

Tyrone Mings, restored to the side much to everyone’s apparent relief also tried the raking long ball which Watkins brought down superbly in the Everton area, the ball then ending up with Matty Cash who went down under dubious pressure. VAR and Michael Oliver were unmoved. They were similarly so when Mings battled with Gordon in front of the Holte End. The reality was as the players headed towards deserved drinks break Villa had done little with their 58% possession and neither side had created a clear-cut chance. Just before the players could rehydrate Everton had two corners, neither of which were dealt with any confidence (one ongoing theme from Bournemouth) and one resulting scramble resulted in an offside goal, confirmed by VAR.

COUTINHO ANONYMOUS AS INGS STEPS UP

Phillipe Coutinho was anonymous on the edge of the game, his first telling contribution being booked in the 29^th minute. It will – one hopes – be a concern to Gerrard that his playmaker seems to be having minimal impact and the lack of forward thrust here had a knock-on effect in terms of big chances for the home side. On half an hour McGinn bypassed the Brazilian, going long to Watkins who whipped the ball in to the box. Initially it seemed to be intended for Coutinho before Danny Ings intervened and lashed the ball past Jordan Pickford. It was the quality of finish that was needed to break down a resolute Everton side. Of course, it was also Ings who scored the first Villa home goal of last season with another venomous finish.

There was little of note as half time approached, except for some excellent defending from Diego Carlos when Dwight McNeil broke through. Albeit offside, Carlos stood the former Burnley winger up in a solid tactic that bodes well for his Villa future. Later in the game he also hit a screaming half volley into an Everton midfielder. Villa’s other major summer signing – Boubacar Kamara – also had an impressive 45 minutes and from an early perspective looks the player Villa have needed for some time in that deep lying midfield role. Moments before the half time whistle good work again by Ramsey created a chance but Coutinho could not quite reach the young midfielder’s cross.

WATKINS MOVEMENT EXCEPTIONAL AND DANGEROUS

Villa dominated the start of the second half, with Ollie Watkin’s movement across Everton’s back three leaving them unable to cope at times. This was a welcome and salient reminder that Watkins contributes so much more than goals, and why, for this writer remains an outside chance for England’s World Cup squad to offer Gareth Southgate something a little different. When Villa were required to defend, they did so assuredly (thankfully a lack of corners to worry about) in particularly Matty Cash who threw himself in front of the ball on numerous occasions.

As the hour mark approached Coutinho, sporting a minor knock, was replaced by Emi Buendia to the obvious delight of the Villa faithful. Immediately Buendia threw himself into the fray – I struggle to recall a more enthusiastic and impactful player in recent times. Buendia wants the ball and makes things happen – and it certainly felt that chances came in abundance once he was in the pitch. Both Ings and Watkins could have added to the tally had they better anticipated each other’s intentions. There is much talk about their partnership and for my money they both offer lots to the team but don’t necessarily exist on each other’s wavelength. Yet.

EMI BUENDIA FROM ARGENTINA

In the 75^th minute after good work from McGinn, Ings and Digne, Buendia lofted a scissor kick which was scrambled off the line by Everton. Villa were clearly in the ascendancy and Leon Bailey entered the fray to run at the tired Everton backline. It was Ramsey however who made another lung busting run to set up Watkins. On 85 minutes Buendia got his reward for an outstanding display, linking well with Watkins who delivered a pinpoint ball across the goal for Villa’s number 10 to sweep in.

A NERVY FINISH

Villa couldn’t quite avoid not doing ‘Villa things’ as Everton pulled one back immediately after Buendia’s goal. Lucas Digne switched off at the back post and was unaware as Iwobi’s pressure forced an own goal. What followed was a mixture of high pressure and release – and Watkins could (should) have sealed the win as the end of normal time approached. At the other end the calm authority of Emi Martinez saw some corners claimed as the big Argentinian implored the North Stand to raise the volume. Martinez saved well from Gordon before Tyrone Mings made an exceptional tackle to retain Villa’s lead. The former captain was given a lot of love over the course of the game, and this was the final vindication upon his return to the side. Callum Chambers made a similarly crucial last-ditch challenge underlining the clear desire and commitment to securing the three points.

Ultimately Villa saw the game out – assisted by some exceptional Ashley Young timewasting – and the response (and win) that was so needed was delivered.

AUTHOR | IVAN MCDOUALL

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Author’s UTV PODCAST archive Ivan McDouall

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