Aston Villa ratings from Everton win as one ‘faultless’ player scores 9/10

Ollie Watkins’ second half strike secured Aston Villa a narrow 1-0 win over Everton on their final-ever Premier League visit to Goodison Park, denying David Moyes a dream second debut.

Unai Emery opted for Watkins despite Jhon Duran’s return from suspension and it paid off as the England international scored the vital goal in the 51st minute, displaying great composure to slot past Pickford from a Morgan Rogers through ball. Everton certainly had their chances but the visitors edged the encounter and deserved all three points under the lights.

Villa had the better of possession in the first half and also created more opportunities. Jacob Ramsey went closest with a strike merely centimetres wide of the far post, while Watkins missed a one-on-one with Jordan Pickford after latching onto Ashley Young’s wayward backpass. Rogers and Boubacar Kamara both had powerful low strikes saved by Pickford and Youri Tielemans saw a close-range effort blocked heroically by James Tarkowski.

Everton crafted a few openings in the first period despite being limited with their output in the first 25 minutes. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, superb with his movement, drove the ball just wide of the far post from a Vitalii Mykolenko through ball. The striker also had a scuffed shot cleared off the line by Boubacar Kamara.

Watkins’ goal early in the second period boosted Villa’s confidence as Emery’s men pushed for a second. Moyes’ side eventually shifted the momentum and went on the charge for a goal themselves, though. Calvert-Lewin had the best opportunity deep in stoppage time but he fluffed his lines, scuffing over the bar from a low cross. Villa hold on for a valuable win to move up to seventh in the Premier League.

Player ratings

Emiliano Martinez - 7

Kept his Only had to make two saves all night, to deny Calvert Lewin and Mangala.

Matty Cash - 6

Had a mixed game up against Ndiaye as he halted a few of his runs but was beaten for pace and strength on other occasions.

Ezri Konsa - 7

A decent display.

Tyrone Mings - 7

Imperious in the air and zipped some decent balls into midfield but did have a couple of shaky passes back to Martinez that were nearly intercepted.

Lucas Digne - 6

Failed with a free-kick from 25 yards, hitting the wall.

Boubacar Kamara - 9

A near faultless display as he made several crucial defensive interventions, including a clearance off the line to deny Calvert-Lewin. Tested Pickford with a decent shot from distance before the break.

Amadou Onana - 6

Helped break up the play but gave away three sloppy fouls and was booked for one - a cyncial lunge on Gana Gueye. Skewed two long shots wide in the first six minutes.

Youri Tielemans - 8

Defended superbly in a box-to-box role, completing more tackles than any other player on the field (6). Missed a decent chance early on as his shot was blocked.

Jacob Ramsey - 7 (off 81’)

Linked up well with Rogers and Watkins and got in some decent areas. Went very close with a chance at the end of the first half.

Morgan Rogers - 7

Assisted Watkins’ goal with a great run and even better pass. Stung the gloves of Pickford with a great curling effort early on.

Ollie Watkins - 7

Squandered a huge opportunity a quarter of an hour in after latching onto Young’s loose pass but made up for it with the opening and winning goal at the start of the second half. Set up Tielemans for his early chance.

Emiliano Buendia - N/A (on 81’)

Wasn’t on the field long enough to make a proper impact.