Ollie Watkins broke the deadlock on David Moyes’ Everton return to give Aston Villa a 51st-minute lead at Goodison Park in the Premier League.
England forward Watkins collected Morgan Rodgers’ incisive pass and volleyed past advancing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his ninth goal of the season.
“Isn’t this just the Villa at its best?” Former Leeds forward Lucy Ward asked TNT Sports, crediting Ezri Konsha’s “brilliant” role in the move.
“They get on the field so fast. Morgan Rodgers is on the loose ball – Everton will be frustrated with that – and Watkins breaks away from his marker and rolls it past Pickford.’
Great work from Morgan Rogers finds Ollie Watkins to break the deadlock at Goodison! 🔥
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— Soccer on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Everton vs Villa: Watkins scores
Moyes ended his eight-month absence from football to begin his second spell as Toffees boss on Monday, succeeding Sean Dyche after the former Burnley boss was sacked by new owners The Friedkin Group.
Only bottom side Southampton have won fewer games and scored fewer goals than Everton this season, who sit one point above the relegation zone.
Both teams had chances during a lively first half, with Jacob Ramsey shooting just wide when set up for Villa.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, challenged by Moyes to immediately add to his two goals this season, also threatened for the home side.
Welcome back to Goodison Park, David Moyes 👏
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— Soccer on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Watkins ‘kept his cool’
“That was Villa 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 deal, but Watkins kept his cool. To be fair to Pickford, he was completely exposed.”
If they secure a third straight win in all competitions, Villa will move above Bournemouth into seventh place, level on points with Manchester City.
Everton have been without a win in their last five Premier League games, failing to score in four of them and losing the previous two.
