Aston Villa was held to a goalless draw against Everton at Goodison Park, where the home team halted a three-game losing streak in the Premier League.
Despite Villa’s need for a victory to reclaim the second spot, they failed to break through Sean Dyche’s defensive setup, resulting in Unai Emery overseeing a goalless draw for the first time in his Premier League career.
VAR disallowed a sublime strike from Alex Moreno, ruling Leon Bailey offside in the build-up. Despite Villa’s possession dominance, Everton had the best chance when Dominic Calvert-Lewin was denied by Emiliano Martinez, who also saved James Garner’s rebound.
The second half saw Villa making efforts with substitutes Jhon Duran and Matty Cash going close, while Abdoulaye Doucoure had a disallowed goal for offside.
The draw positions Villa in third place, tied on points with City but trailing on goal difference, while Everton moves one point clear of the relegation zone.
A promising start by Everton gave way to Villa’s dominance. Moreno’s goal, initially allowed but later disallowed by VAR due to Bailey’s offside, sparked controversy over the lengthy decision-making process.
Jordan Pickford’s crucial save denied Bailey, and Calvert-Lewin missed a clear chance before halftime.
Cash’s introduction revitalized Villa in the second half. His attempt, as well as Duran’s, was thwarted, and Doucoure’s late goal was disallowed for offside, resulting in a shared spoils.
