Ollie Watkins broke the deadlock on David Moyes’ return to Everton to give Aston Villa a 51st-minute lead at Goodison Park in the Premier League.
England forward Watkins collected Morgan Rogers’ perceptive pass and slotted past advanced goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his ninth goal of the season.
“Is that not just Villa at their best?” former Leeds forward Lucy Ward asked on TNT Sports, crediting Ezri Konsa’s “brilliant” part in the move.
“They get up the pitch so quickly. Morgan Rogers is on to the loose ball – Everton will be disappointed with that – and Watkins creates separation from his marker and rolls it beyond Pickford.”
A lovely 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
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Everton vs Villa: Watkins scores
Moyes ended his eight-month absence from football to start 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 are a point above the relegation zone.
Both sides had chances during a lively first half, with Jacob Ramsey shooting just wide when well-placed for Villa.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been challenged by Moyes to immediately add to his tally of two goals this season, also threatened for the hosts.
Welcome back to Goodison Park, David Moyes 👏
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Watkins ‘kept composure’
“That is what Villa had been missing in the first half — that little bit of composure and quality in front of goal,” said Ward.
“Pickford knew he’d have to come out and engage but Watkins kept his composure. To be fair to be Pickford, he was left completely exposed.”
Should they secure a third consecutive win in all competitions, Villa will move above Bournemouth to seventh, 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.
