Ollie Watkins broke the deadlock on David Moyes’ return to Everton to give Aston Villa a 51st-minute lead at Goodison Park in the Premier League.

England forward Watkins collected a clever pass from Morgan Rodgers and slotted past advanced goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his ninth goal of the season.

“Isn’t that just Villa at his best?” former Leeds forward Lucy Ward asked on TNT Sports, crediting Ezri Konsa’s “brilliant” part in the move.

“They get on the pitch so quickly. Morgan Rodgers is on a loose ball – Everton will be frustrated by that – and Watkins gets separated from his marker and takes it past Pickford.”

A lovely play from Morgan Rodgers finds Ollie Watkins to break the deadlock at Goodison! 🔥

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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025

Everton vs Villa: Watkins scores

Moyes ended an eight-month absence from football Succeeding Sean Dyche to begin his second spell as Toffees boss on Monday after the former Burnley boss was sacked by new owners the Friedkin Group.

Only bottom side Southampton have won fewer games and scored fewer goals this season than Everton, who are above the relegation zone.

Both sides had chances during a lively first half, with Jacob Ramsey just shooting wide when well placed for Villa.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was challenged by Moyes to immediately add to his tally of two goals this season, also threatened for the hosts.

David Moyes, welcome back to Goodison Park 👏

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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025

Watkins ‘kept composure’

“That’s what Villa had in the first half – that bit of composure and quality in front of goal,” Ward said.

“Pickford knew he had to come out and engage but Watkins kept his composure. To be fair to Pickford, he was left completely exposed.

If they win a third in a row in all competitions, Villa will move above Bournemouth into seventh place, level on points with Manchester City.

Everton are winless in their last five Premier League matches, failing to score in four of them and losing their previous two.