It took until halftime of the second game of the season for widespread boos to be heard. After several sounds of displeasure following an undeserved defeat at Goodison Park last week, Everton fans had seen enough to signal that it was going to be another long campaign.
Take nothing away from a brilliant performance from Aston Villa, but Unai Emery’s side were made much better by a spineless Everton side. They were far too often comfortable apart, and when they made rare inroads, Sean Dyche’s men seemed out of ideas.
And although a loud chorus of boos was heard from the other side at the end of the first half, some might have felt a sense of relief that their side were only 2-0 down. John McGinn and Douglas Luiz – from the penalty spot – scored the goals but it should have been more.
Then six minutes into half-time came the moment that summed up Everton’s poor defence. Former Toffees full-back Lucas Digne delivered a throw-in that eluded everyone but Michael Keane, who tapped the ball past Leon Bailey to make it 3-0. It was a calamitous defense.
“That’s why you go down,” joked Villa fans in the Holte End. After two seasons flirting with relegation but narrowly escaping it – they finished 16th and 17th – Everton have shown little so far this season to show they have improved.
Moussa Diaby (left) and Leon Bailey (right) starred as Aston Villa beat Everton 4-0 at Villa Park
Douglas Luiz scored from the spot to net Vila’s second goal of the game in the first half
Captain John McGinn kicked off the win with a well-scored goal after just 18 minutes
The result means the Toffees are without a point in their first two Premier League games
Unai Emery’s side bounced back from their humiliating 5-1 loss to Newcastle last week
Dyche was not helped by a number of mid-game injuries. Dominic Calvert-Lewin can’t buy luck and after following a detailed new fitness plan over the summer to settle his scorching injury record, the striker lasted just 37 minutes, picking up an injury in the face.
The Englishman, who had started just 30 of 76 Premier League games over the past two seasons, was slammed by Emi Martinez after 10 minutes – a fair and accidental collision – and never recovered, face visibly swollen as he left the pitch holding an ice pack to his cheek.
Alex Iwobi also left the pitch shortly after the second half, with a hamstring injury which Dyche said could see him miss games. New striker Youssef Chermiti hasn’t made the squad as Dyche is hesitant to start the £15million youngster, while compatriot Jack Harrison is injured.
Jarrad Branthwaite remained on the bench and the defender has to wonder what he needs to do to stand a chance in this sloppy back line. After a solid season on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season, surely he can’t be worse than this group of defenders?
There were just 18 minutes left on the clock when Villa’s class showed, with new boy Moussa Diaby at the heart of it and all the good they did. He took a dangerous position, played into Leon Bailey who passed Ashley Young and squared John McGinn for an easy finish.
The Scot was asked in a video last week if there was any sense in putting him on fantasy football teams this season. “Yeah,” he replied. “If you want to finish from the middle down, have John McGinn in there – a goal last season.” He has now evened that tally with 36 games remaining.
He was excellent and buzzed on the pitch – and even at one point doubled as a physio to pack a medical kit. Diaby looks like one of the league’s summer signings, while Bailey has had one of his best games in a Villa shirt. As for the defense, it was hardly worried.
Everton have tabled a second offer for Southampton striker Che Adams of around £15million and how they need him. That said, even if they had Erling Haaland or Harry Kane in mind, they might struggle to score, given the lack of creativity running through the team.
Five minutes after taking the lead, Villa were awarded a penalty after Pickford did his best Superman impression by flying through the air with his outstretched fist, nearly knocking out Ollie Watkins. No such superhero abilities in the kick, though, as Douglas Luiz confidently dispatched.
Pickford, however, helped to reduce the scores afterwards, as the majestic Diaby nearly scored a phenomenal volley past Digne’s cross, but the England keeper tipped him over the post. At the other end, Martinez made his first save of the half in the 45th minute to thwart Arnaut Danjuma.
Villa were electric in Sunday’s attack – mainly thanks to the work of Diaby and Bailey
Everton fought hard to fight back in the game but were nowhere near good enough that day
Everton were undone within six minutes of the second half as Keane’s outstretched leg allowed Bailey to finish easily. It’s hard to pick individuals in an awful overall performance, but it was a worrying afternoon for Keane.
Ashley Young received a warm welcome from the Holte End after moving from Villa to Everton this summer – the 38-year-old is apparently idolized at each of his former clubs, which says a lot about him. But he was at fault for the fourth goal.
Like Bailey’s goal, Everton were undone with a throw-in – but this time from their own man as Young tossed the ball over to James Tarkowski only for substitute Jhon Duran to grab possession and confidently pass ahead of Pickford for 4-0.
Anyone who watched Villa’s 5-1 thrashing at St James’ Park last week will have noted that the scoreline was an injustice – and it was probably the same thing. Villa won by four goals but it could have been more. For Villa, a European tour awaits.
For Everton, another relegation battle looks likely if they don’t sort out the leaky defense and bad attack. Next are the only other teams to have played twice and have zero points – Wolves and Sheffield United. Two games in the season, but those look like huge games.
