Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa won their first game of the season beating Everton 2-1 in the Premier League’s lunchtime kick-off.
In a game where two Premier League and England legends, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, faced each other for the first time as managers, the hosts carried the greater intent.
However, the Merseysiders did have the ball in the net from a corner midway through the first half, but Anthony Gordon's strike was ruled out for offside.
Despite that Everton attempt, Villa always looked the better side in the first-half, with more possession and control of the game.
It was therefore no surprise when the Villans took the lead through Danny Ings in the 31st minute, the striker finding space in the box and lashing home a left-footed finish.
The Toffees started the second period more brightly, but struggled to create chances and in the 86th minute Villa doubled their lead through Emi Buendia, who tapped home after a sharp exchange of passes with Ollie Watkins.
However, the hosts' two-goal advantage lasted just a minute as Everton substitute Amadou Onana's cross was bundled into his own net by Lucas Digne under pressure at the back post.
The last minutes of the game were tense, with Onana causing problems, but Steven Gerrard's men managed to hold on to take the three points.
This was Aston Villa’s first win of the season, while Everton have now lost both of their opening two games.
Next up, Villa will travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, while Lampard's side will entertain newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.
2-1 | ||
Danny Ings 31' Emiliano Buendía 85' Lucas Digne 87' (o.g.) |
