EPL: Everton upset Aston Villa to halt title push

Aston Villa missed the chance to move into second place in the Premier League after Everton secured a 1-0 victory at Villa Park on Sunday.

Thierno Barry’s composed finish proved decisive, ending Villa’s 11-game unbeaten run at home.

Early scare and missed chances

Everton nearly stunned Villa within 11 seconds when Merlin Rohl’s low strike from a long clearance rattled the post.

Moments later, Villa were denied a goal as Jake O’Brien’s header from a corner was ruled out after VAR spotted Harrison Armstrong offside.

Villa substitutes also came close, with Evann Guessand hitting the bar after replacing captain John McGinn, who was forced off early due to a knee injury.

Barry’s strike secures victory

The game’s only goal arrived in the 59th minute. Barry capitalised on sloppy defending to loft the ball past Emi Martinez after Dwight McNeil’s shot was mishandled.

Despite Villa’s late surge, Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a stunning flying save to deny Morgan Rogers and preserve the lead.

The defeat leaves Villa level on points with Manchester City on 43 but outside the top two due to an inferior goal difference.