Substitute Jhon Duran’s sensational long-range strike earned Aston Villa a memorable Premier League comeback victory as Everton crumbled from 2-0 up for the second consecutive game.
The Blues were left shell-shocked when they fell apart in the final minutes against Bournemouth last time out and they had a familiar feeling on Saturday, letting slip a two-goal lead once more to remain pointless this season.
The visitors were on the back foot early on with Ollie Watkins seeing a header cleared off the line before they shocked the hosts with the breakthrough.
Dwight McNeil robbed former Toffee Amadou Onana of possession – which the visiting fans enjoyed – before the winger darted forward and drilled a precise finish low into the far corner.
Bereft of confidence, Sean Dyche’s side were given little hope of a picking up a result but they doubled their advantage on 27 minutes through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s towering header.
But Villa responded before the interval as ex-Everton full-back Lucas Digne teased a cross to the back post for Watkins to nod in his first goal of the campaign.
Unai Emery’s team begin their Champions League campaign on Tuesday and his side showed their mettle by restoring parity as England international Watkins slotted in from close range following Jack Harrison’s miscued clearance.
And the hosts completed a fine comeback 14 minutes from time as Colombian striker Duran picked the ball up 25 yards out before walloping a swerving drive in the top corner.
Credit: bbc.com
