Premier League: Everton and Aston Villa cancel each other out | OneFootball

Premier League: Everton and Aston Villa cancel each other out

Everton and Aston Villa played out a goalless draw (0-0) this Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The result keeps the Toffees in the top 5 with 7 points from 4 matches, while the Villans are left with only 2 points after a complicated start to the season.

The first half was marked by a balanced contest, with shared possession and fierce midfield battles. Everton, however, looked more threatening going forward, especially in the 15th minute when Jack Grealish forced Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez into a world-class reflex save.

Coming out of the break, Aston Villa surprised everyone by dictating the tempo during the opening quarter of an hour. Playing more directly, the Birmingham side managed to break Everton's pressing and get closer to goal, though they still lacked the right decision in the final third. Everton soon regained the initiative, making better use of the flanks and sending in a flurry of dangerous crosses. But Martínez stood tall twice, first in the 61st and then in the 71st minute, keeping out efforts from Michael Keane and Beto.

In the end, Everton will rue their lack of clinical finishing, while Aston Villa are still searching for their first win and continue to show limitations in front of goal. The Argentine goalkeeper, meanwhile, reminded everyone why he is considered one of the best in the world.