Ollie Watkins broke the deadlock on David Moyes’ Everton comeback to give Aston Villa a 51st-minute lead at Goodison Park in the Premier League.
England striker Watkins collected Morgan Rogers’ insightful pass and slotted past advanced goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his ninth goal of the season.
“Isn’t this just Villa at their best?” asked former Leeds striker Lucy Ward on TNT Sports, crediting Ezri Konsa’s “brilliant” role in the decision.
“They get on the pitch so fast. Morgan Rogers is on the loose ball – Everton will be disappointed by this – and Watkins creates separation from his marker and rolls it past Pickford.
A great play from Morgan Rogers finds Ollie Watkins to break the deadlock at Goodison! 🔥
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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Everton v Villa: Watkins scores
Moyes ends eight months away from football to begin his second term as Toffees boss on Monday, taking over from Sean Dyche after the former Burnley boss was sacked by new owners the Friedkin Group.
Only the bottom team, Southampton, have won fewer games and scored fewer goals than Everton this season, who are one point above the relegation zone.
Both teams had chances during a lively first half, with Jacob Ramsey shooting just wide as he was well placed for Villa.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was challenged by Moyes to immediately add to his tally of two goals this season, also threatened for the hosts.
Welcome to Goodison Park, David Moyes 👏
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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Watkins ‘kept his cool’
“That’s what Villa were missing in the first half – that bit of composure and quality in front of goal,” Ward said.
“Pickford knew he would have to go out and engage, but Watkins kept his cool. To be fair to being Pickford, he was completely exposed.
If they secure a third consecutive victory in all competitions, Villa will move ahead of Bournemouth into seventh place, level on points with Manchester City.
Everton were winless in their last five Premier League matches, failing to score in four of them and losing their previous two.
