Aston Villa vs Everton Player Ratings: Garner shines again in fantastic away win

Everton produced another superb performance on the road and secured a massive 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Thierno Barry scored the only goal of the game to prevent Unai Emery’s side from going second in the league table. The Blues’ display tonight was impressive after their dismal exit from the FA Cup against Sunderland last weekend.

David Moyes’ side stunned the home crowd into silence just 11 seconds into the game after Merlin Rohl struck the post from Jordan Pickford’s long ball. It laid down the marker for the rest of the contest as Everton kept plugging away.

Jake O’Brien thought he had scored the opener from a fantastic James Garner cross before seeing the linesman’s flag as he turned away to celebrate. VAR review showed that O’Brien was behind the line. However, the goal was ruled out anyway with Harrison Armstrong offside and deemed to have been influencing the play.

Barry finally put the Toffees ahead just before the hour-mark after cleverly chipping the ball over Emiliano Martinez at the near post following his save off Dwight McNeil’s attempt. It was the summer signing's third goal in four league matches.

Everton held on to secure three important points against a top side to climb to 10th in the league table after the dismal results of recent weeks.

Here are the player ratings from Everton’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa:

Jordan Pickford: 8

It was Pickford’s early long ball that led to the Rohl chance just 11 seconds into the match at Villa Park that set the marker for Moyes’ men. He produced an outrageous save off Morgan Rogers in the second half while also thwarting another effort from him in the first half.

Nathan Patterson: 7.5

Patterson produced an encouraging display and kept the likes of Buendia and Maatsen quiet. He made a crucial clearance from a ball delivered across the face of goal and also got forward on a few occasions.

James Tarkowski: 8

Made a crucial interception to nick the ball off Emi Buendia and Tarkowski kept things tight at the back. Although a few of his passes in the first half were sloppy, he had a strong second half.

Jake O’Brien: 8

O’Brien thought he had the ball inside the back of the net from Garner’s cross but VAR ruled it out with Armstrong in an offside position in the buildup to it. The jury, however, remains out on whether he influenced the play or not. O’Brien was also fantastic at the back and produced a crucial block off Morgan Rogers’ chance from close range.

Vitalii Mykolenko: 6

Mykolenko did well to put off Evann Guessand from finding the goal from Youri Tieleman’s defence-splitting pass in the first half. However, he was fortunate that Guessand’s header only hit the crossbar after losing an aerial duel later in the game.

The left-back also had a shot at goal from Rohl’s pass that got tipped over the bar by Emi Martinez.

James Garner: 8.5

The way James Garner has stepped up this season and delivered responsible performances has been wonderful to witness. Garner didn’t put a foot wrong and dictated matters in the engine room at Villa Park.

He was always available for a pass and won the most tackles and duels in the game. He delivered the outstanding ball for O’Brien to head home which was given as offside.

Merlin Rohl: 7.5

Rohl almost put Everton ahead with 11 seconds on the clock. Receiving the chested pass from Barry, he controlled the ball before unleashing a shot that struck the far post before ricocheting back out. While he had a few losses of the ball, it was Rohl’s best game in an Everton shirt as he kept things ticking in the middle.

Harrison Armstrong: 7

There’s no way that David Moyes let Armstrong leave on loan again even when he has a fully fit squad. In just a short number of games since being recalled from his loan spell at Preston, Armstrong has won over the fanbase with his intelligence and composure.

His performance against Aston Villa was astute, although he was harshly ruled as offside in the build-up to O’Brien’s first-half header.

Dwight McNeil: 7

McNeil reacted well to Pau Torres’ mistake and it was his initial shot saved by Emi Martinez that led to Everton’s opening goal, converted by Barry. He also worked his socks off defensively.

Thierno Barry: 8 (replaced by Beto at 83’)

Barry’s smart chipped finish at the near post helped Everton secure another fantastic away win. He had a good start to the game, bringing the ball down well for Rohl to have a shot at goal.

The Frenchman also used his physique well to win duels and his linkup play was effective. An encouraging performance from the young striker capped off with his third goal in the last four league matches.

Jack Grealish: 7

Grealish brought a calm influence in possession despite the constant boos at Villa Park. He kept winning free-kicks to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm and also had a volleyed effort at the back post from a corner.

Substitutions

Beto: N/A

Reader Comments (31)

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Sean Kearns 2 Posted 18/01/2026 at 20:21:52

Jake was a 9 or even a 10 in my book! The lad didn’t put a foot wrong, as he did in the Forest win too!….. he totally beasts the box and uses his size tremendously. What an athlete.

Mike Gaynes 3 Posted 18/01/2026 at 20:52:24

Best performances of the season by Rohl, Patterson, Barry, McNeil, Armstrong and O'Brien, and probably Garner too, although he's had several brilliant efforts.

That's how you beat a quality club in their own back yard.

Dave Lynch 5 Posted 18/01/2026 at 21:19:50

Garner a 9.5 for me, ran the show.

Mark Murphy 6 Posted 18/01/2026 at 22:35:58

Watching MOTD2.

McGinn. What an absolute tit!

Derek Knox 7 Posted 18/01/2026 at 22:56:57

Hold my hands up, I was not optimistic about today but as ever hoped I was wrong. Gladly, I was proved wrong.

I thought most put a good shift in without being spectacular. McNeil surprised but could have done more; O'Brien gave the ball away too often; and Mykolenko was nothing great.

Aznou could have come on after the goal.

9 Posted 18/01/2026 at 23:05:33

I can understand “not optimistic” but I can't get my head round Blues predicting a 0-2 or 1-3 defeat, even against Brazil 1970.Why do that?

So you can say “see how much I know about footy tactics” etc? Never write off your own team!

Ray Jacques 10 Posted 18/01/2026 at 23:07:06

I posted this morning that we would get nothing today.

This was based on recent results, available players and years of being an Everton pessimist.

It doesn't make sense... but I am happy!

Si Cooper 11 Posted 18/01/2026 at 23:29:07

Mark (9), I will never understand it either.

Always live in hope before the game has started.

Jason Hewly 12 Posted 18/01/2026 at 23:55:52

A good all-round performance from every player out there. I also think Moyes got the tactics right against a team flying high and full of confidence.

I've got a lot of time for Villa, but their fans embarrassed themselves with their booing of Grealish. I don't get this boorish prick behaviour at all. He did a lot for that club. There are far too many people who think that being a football fan gives them permission to act like a wanker. Tiresome idiots.

Neil Cremin 13 Posted 19/01/2026 at 01:17:39

I agree that the 6 for Mykolenko is petty. Our back four were brilliant as a unit so why scapegoat him?

Similarity, I thought McNeil also deserved at least a 7.5. He was once again involved in our goal and worked tirelessly in defence.

Makes a mockery of the stick he has been getting on here.

Nicholas Ryan 14 Posted 19/01/2026 at 01:34:11

What makes this result all the more pleasing, is the way that our already threadbare squad has been decimated recently.

Bob Parrington 15 Posted 19/01/2026 at 04:19:15

Excellent performance all round, with a beautifully executed goal by Thierno Barry.

It was exciting to see Rohl play so well as I feel he has looked somewhat lost until this game.

A 6 for Mykolenko is definitely mean. At least a 7.

Paul Griffiths 16 Posted 19/01/2026 at 04:27:57

Anjishnu, Harrison Armstrong did not need to 'win over the fanbase'. Giving him a 7 borders on criminal. The same 7 you gave to McNeil and Grealish?

When will the edit button get sorted? You said a while ago that you would talk to the technical folks. How has this not been sorted out?

Ian Bennett 17 Posted 19/01/2026 at 06:59:00

Broadly thought the ratings were pretty fair. I'd have given Garner, Mykolenko & Armstrong slightly higher. Garner only 0.5 over the centre-back felt a bit mean.

I thought it was a brilliant midfield display from him away from home. I've watched Everton capitulate many a time on a Sunday away afternoon, but not with this lad.

Darrel Pugh 18 Posted 19/01/2026 at 07:04:55

How far could we go if Moyes trusted players more?

Players in the right position in defence, youth over experience in midfield. Every time he is forced into this so-called 'bare bones' selection, we look like a better team.

There is nothing to lose this season: 32 points already, no cup competitions, a highly mediocre Premier League. Surely now is the time to be braver, take more risks -- just trust the players.

John Collins 20 Posted 19/01/2026 at 10:19:28

James Garner is playing as well, in his position,as any other holding midfielder in the Prem,better than most.

There will be a queue forming to sign him if we don't get his contract sorted quickly.

Best player on the pitch yesterday.

Rob Hooton 21 Posted 19/01/2026 at 10:46:27

If the rumours about Garner wanting £130k a week are true, then we should pay it. Replacing him would cost £40m or more, with wages on top, so it’s far more cost effective to tie down a gifted player. His value should increase, he’s a better player than some already in the England squad.

Katie Evans 22 Posted 19/01/2026 at 13:48:37

I completely agree, Rob. Garner is worth the wages, and it makes complete financial sense.

If he wants to stay, then give him what he wants. He has been brilliant this season.

George Cumiskey 24 Posted 19/01/2026 at 18:51:58

I can't understand the low marks and abuse Myolenko gets from the fans.

I think he's a really good defender who's kept some of the top wingers like Salah and Saka quiet. He's never let us down, in my opinion.

Mike Gaynes 25 Posted 19/01/2026 at 20:31:55

I agree, George, and I just hope Myko doesn't take as much flak from the match-going crowd as he does here on TW.

I think most folks here just watch other clubs' modern attacking fullbacks and wish we had one.

Darren Hind 26 Posted 19/01/2026 at 20:59:10

Not exactly Ray Wilson, but we have an awful lot to put right before we start to look at Myko

Jonathan Oppenheimer 27 Posted 19/01/2026 at 22:14:58

I’m not in the mood to criticize anyone after that performance yesterday, but it’s not unreasonable to wish we had better than Myko at left back.

When you watch enough fluffed crosses from Myko, or awful attempts to beat a defender one-on-one by Barry, or errors over the year by Keane, then those players rightly get flogged on TW.

Sure, part of it is that we wished we had a top-5 club type of player, but sometimes it’s just that we wish we had a top-10 type player and they’re not showing it. Mykolenko fits in that category. What most supporters want is an upgrade to a left back like Digne or Antonee Robinson…

Mike Gaynes 28 Posted 19/01/2026 at 22:27:09

Jonathan, too bad those twin idiots Silva and Benitez didn't feel that way.

Mike Gaynes 29 Posted 19/01/2026 at 22:32:09

And by the way, Jonathan, I have a new top nominee for our right back position. From our very own USMNT, I have become a great admirer of Alex Freeman. He has Antonee's pace and attacking instincts but considerably more skill on the ball. 21 and inexpensive.

Jonathan Oppenheimer 30 Posted 19/01/2026 at 23:00:35

You know I just like messing with you, Mike. I also love that you show so much love for Americans and that you follow them so closely abroad. I’m generally hesitant to push the Yanks for Everton — I’m probably just too scared they’ll make us look bad — despite our history of American players being a part of my love for the club.

I cannot honestly say I’ve seen much of Freeman. I know he’s highly regarded. What a story that would be if he were the man to finally replace Seamus.

Jonathan Oppenheimer 31 Posted 19/01/2026 at 23:14:06

The YouTube highlights of Freeman certainly look promising. Speed, ball control, finishing, can use both feet. They don’t show his defending abilities, but he certainly is a physical specimen, so at least wouldn’t get bullied. I’m all in, Mike, ha!

I assume they’ll want at least £15 million for him at his age and the things he’s already done for the national team.

Anthony Dwyer 32 Posted 19/01/2026 at 23:47:50

26. George I couldn't agree more mate, Myklenko is a great defender, yes he has some weaknesses going forward but not many make a mug of him when it comes to his defending.

If we got a top attacking right back, and put Ndiaye back on the left next year if we don't end up signing Grealish then keep Myklenko back as a 3rd defender and allow Ndiaye to stay up the pitch to help with fast counter attacks.

Dave Abrahams 33 Posted 20/01/2026 at 11:19:22

I’m not a Mylolenko fan, far from it, but if Grealish got 7 then Mylolenko deserved at least 9.5.

Mark Murphy 34 Posted 20/01/2026 at 12:53:41

I don't know if he's been told to do so but I've noticed on several occasions this season, especially at home, that Mykolenko stops directly behind Grealish on the touchline rather than carry on with the overlap.

It almost looks like he's hiding there. I'm guessing he's the option if Grealish has to turn back outside but why he can't go down the wing and take a defender with him, I have no idea.

He could even come back and attract a midfielder to come across and cover him, but instead he just stops directly behind Grealish.

I've never seen anything come of it yet, it's just a waste of a man in the attack and he's not retreating to cover the eventuality of a counter-attack if the move breaks down.