Watkins goal puts Moyes on course for defeat on his return to Goodison Park
Ollie Watkins provided the breakthrough in David Moyes’ return to Everton, putting Aston Villa ahead in the 51st minute at Goodison Park in the Premier League.
England striker Watkins picked up Morgan Rogers’ incisive pass and fired his ninth goal of the season past advanced goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
“Isn’t this just Villa at their best?” former Leeds striker Lucy Ward asked TNT Sports, praising Ezri Konsa’s “brilliant” role in the move.
“They come onto the pitch so quickly. “Morgan Rogers is on his way to the loose ball – Everton will be disappointed with that – and Watkins manages to break away from his opponent and rolls it past Pickford.”
A lovely move from Morgan Rogers sees Ollie Watkins break the deadlock at Goodison! 🔥
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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Everton vs Villa: Watkins scores
Moyes ended his eight-month absence from football will begin his second term as Toffees boss on Monday, succeeding Sean Dyche after the former Burnley boss was sacked by new owners The Friedkin Group.
Only bottom club Southampton have won fewer games and scored fewer goals this season than Everton, who are one point above the relegation zone.
Both teams had chances in a lively first half, with Jacob Ramsey firing just wide on good placement for Villa.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, challenged by Moyes to immediately add to his tally of two goals this season, was also dangerous for the hosts.
Welcome back to Goodison Park, David Moyes 👏
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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Watkins “kept his composure”
“That’s what Villa were missing in the first half – that bit of composure and quality in front of goal,” said Ward.
“Pickford knew he had to come out and get involved but Watkins kept his composure. To be fair to Pickford, he was completely exposed.”
Should they claim a third successive win in all competitions, Villa will move ahead of Bournemouth into seventh place, level on points with Manchester City.
Everton have been winless in their last five Premier League games, failing to score in four of them and losing their last two.
