Everton 2-1 Aston Villa - Toffees Fight Back To Beat Villa

A late goal from Kevin Mirallas helped Everton fight from behind against Aston Villa and move into fifth in the Premier League. Leandro Bacuna had earlier given Villa a first-half lead after some neat interplay with Christian Benteke put him through against Tim Howard, before firing through the goalkeeper's legs. But the Toffee's put in a much-improved second-half performance and turned the contest on its head thanks to a close-ranged goal from Steven Naismith and a superb free-kick from Mirallas. Everton started the game brightly and new signing Aidan McGeady, making his debut, struck the woodwork after just three minutes after curling his effort against the post from 20 yards. McGeady looked lively for the hosts and had another effort from the edge of the box trickle into the grateful grasp of Brad Guzan soon after. But Villa drew first blood in a first half of very little opportunity, somewhat against the run of play when Bacuna linked up nicely with Benteke.
Bacuna passed to the Belgian who played it back to set his teammate up for a well-taken finish, though there was controversy as Fabien Delph appeared to foul Ross Barkley in the build-up. Nevertheless, the goal stood as Everton fans jeered referee Robert Madley as the two sides trooped off for half-time. Barkley was brought off after the break, apparently hurt from the collision with Delph, and replaced by Steven Pienaar, who had a big say in Everton's equaliser. The Toffee's started the second half as they did the first, and had the visitors hemmed in for large periods after the interval. Leon Osman came close 10 minutes after the restart but flashed his effort just wide of Guzan's goal. Pienaar then gave Villa the first warning of what was to come when he shot from distance but saw his effort simply caught by Guzan.
However, the South African would not be denied and turned provider when he flicked toward Naismith, who drilled in a leveller on 74 minutes. Everton continued to pile on the pressure and you sensed they may yet complete a turn-around, and so they did with just five minutes left on the clock. Mirallas won a free-kick after being upended by Ciaran Clark. And the midfielder stepped up to take the kick, curling home into the top corner from 25 yards. Villa tried to get themselves back in the game but Marc Albrighton's right-footed shot from outside the box was too high and Everton held on to record their 300th win in the Premier League.
Contributor
Contributor

Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.