Everton stun Aston Villa at Villa Park, dent hosts’ title push

Everton produced a disciplined and determined display to beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Villa Park on Sunday, dealing a blow to the hosts’ hopes of closing the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The Toffees sealed the victory through Thierno Barry’s 59th-minute strike, capitalising on a costly error by Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who spilled a routine effort from Dwight McNeil into the path of the Everton forward.

Villa, who had won their previous 11 home matches, were stunned early on as Everton almost took the lead after just 11 seconds, with Merlin Rohl racing onto a long clearance but seeing his low shot crash against the post.

David Moyes’ side thought they had gone ahead from a corner when Jake O’Brien headed home, but the effort was ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee for offside.

The hosts struggled to impose themselves and were dealt an early blow when captain John McGinn was forced off with a knee injury. Substitute Evann Guessand came close to an equaliser later in the game, heading against the crossbar with Jordan Pickford beaten.

Barry eventually broke the deadlock just before the hour mark, showing composure to loft the ball over Martinez after the Argentina international failed to deal properly with McNeil’s shot.

Villa pressed for a response, but Pickford produced a superb flying save to deny Morgan Rogers, as Everton held firm to secure a deserved away win.

The defeat leaves Aston Villa level on points with Manchester City but still seven behind Arsenal, while Everton’s victory further boosts confidence under Moyes as they continue their push up the table.