Everton’s first match of the post-Rafa Benitez era began with a 1-0 Premier League defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday. So, among other Premier League football news, Everton faced loss at the hands of Villa, losing 1-0 at home. In addition, unfortunately. it was tense atmosphere at Goodison Park, where the crowd threw missiles to hit the visiting team.
Everton are on 16th place (19 points), five points above the relegation zone, with just one league win since September.
The home team’s sorry state was worsened by a banner flown over the stadium. It read “22 years of failure Bill,” with the home crowd aiming a dig at club chairman Bill Kenwright.
Premier League Football News – Everton Faced Loss at the Hands of Villa
A lively first half ended with Emiliano Buendia scoring with a flicked header that arced over Jordan Pickford in goal. The following provocative celebrations led to a bottle being launched from the stands and hitting the Villa players.
Everton later said they arrested the Everton supporter who threw the bottle after security identified the culprit with CCTV footage.
Lucas Digne, whom Everton fans booed on his return to Goodison Park since last week’s transfer, provided the assist. But, scandalously, fans also hit him with a projectile object, with stewards and police trying to identify the perpetrators.
Duncan Ferguson is in interim charge at Everton for a second time after his brief caretaker stint in 2019. Here, in response to the rowdiness, he asked his players to show “fight and determination”.
Still, scoring opportunities were in short supply in the first half.
Winger Anthony Gordon’s introduction greatly improved Everton’s attack in the second half. But his team mates failed to convert his delightful crosses into the box.
Instead, Villa held on to provisionally move up to 10th with 26 points.
