On January 15, 2025, Everton suffered yet another setback, falling 1-0 to Aston Villa at Goodison Park. The match was led by new manager David Moyes, who returned to the club amid high hopes but faced the harsh reality of his team's current struggles. Everton has now gone without scoring for nine out of their last eleven Premier League matches, plunging them perilously close to relegation territory.
The decisive moment came just minutes after halftime when Ollie Watkins scored the lone goal of the match. After being set up by Morgan Rogers, Watkins expertly slotted past Everton's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, marking his ninth goal of the season. This win moved Aston Villa up to seventh place, leveling them with Manchester City and introducing them as contenders for European competition.
Even as Aston Villa celebrated their victory, the malaise at Everton was palpable. Moyes acknowledged the uphill battle, noting the financial challenges the club has faced over the years. "You can definitely see over the years, the financial situation has played its part on the pitch, and that's the outcome. All the supporters are aware of this," he shared post-match.
Throughout the first half, Villa appeared more dynamic, creating several chances, yet they were unable to capitalize on them. Everton managed to find their footing, with chances from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré failing to hit the target. The frustrating scenario is indicative of the club's troubles, evidenced by their 1.09 expected goals (xG) against Villa’s 1.36.
Despite managing numerous corner attempts and desperate pushes for offense, including several substitutions aimed at altering the game's flow, the Toffees were unable to find the net. Calvert-Lewin was particularly highlighted for his missed opportunities, the loud groans from the Goodison crowd only amplifying his frustration. His final miss, where he shot over the bar during stoppage time, symbolized Everton's nightmare.
Moyes remarked, "We needed to control the game, have a higher level of possession, and we didn't deliver at set pieces," encapsulating the tactical shortcomings the team displayed against the Villans. He recognized the character of the players left by prior manager Sean Dyche but stressed the need for added quality and improvement.
The game commenced with Everton desperately seeking to create scoring chances after failing to find the net often this season. This trend has proved devastating, with the club now sitting precariously above the relegation zone after accumulating just 17 points from 21 matches.
On the other side, Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, showed resilience; focusing on solidifying their league position after previous away defeats. They capitalized on their current form, having secured recent victories, which has allowed them to push toward the top-six and possibly European places next season. Their confidence is bolstered not just by their league position but also by their historical success against Everton, winning three of the last five encounters.
The attendance for the fixture was 39,085, illustrating the unwavering support from Everton's fan base, even as their team falters. The gloomy atmosphere at the end of the game was not lost on players or management as they prepare for upcoming games against Tottenham and Arsenal.
Following the match, both teams will focus on sowing momentum from this clash. Everton will need to regroup and focus on improving their offensive capabilities, as Moyes desperately searches for answers and new tactics to lift his team from the relegation fight. For Aston Villa, they will aim to maintain their consistency as they seek European football by continuing their good run of results and improving their away form.
The struggles of Everton remain glaring, but the return of Moyes brings the hopeful prospect of revival, albeit gradual. Meanwhile, Aston Villa looks to solidify their position as they aim higher within the Premier League, striving for stability and competitiveness.