Jhon Duran’s stunning long-range goal secured Aston Villa a remarkable comeback win in the Premier League
Jhon Duran’s stunning long-range goal secured a remarkable Premier League comeback win for Aston Villa, as Everton squandered a 2-0 lead for the second game in a row.
Chelsea were left stunned after collapsing in the final minutes against Bournemouth in their previous match, and they experienced a similar disappointment on Saturday, surrendering a two-goal lead to remain without a point this season.
The visitors found themselves under pressure early on, with Ollie Watkins having a header cleared off the line. However, they surprised the hosts by striking first. Dwight McNeil dispossessed former Everton player Amadou Onana – much to the delight of the traveling fans – before surging forward and placing a precise low shot into the far corner.
Despite a lack of confidence, Sean Dyche’s side doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin powered home a towering header.
Villa, however, pulled one back before halftime. Former Everton defender Lucas Digne delivered a cross to the back post, where Watkins nodded in his first goal of the season.
As Unai Emery’s team prepared for their Champions League campaign, they showcased their resilience by equalizing. England international Watkins found the net from close range after Jack Harrison mishit a clearance.
The home side completed their impressive comeback 14 minutes from full-time when Colombian striker Jhon Duran collected the ball 25 yards out and unleashed a dipping, swerving shot into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with no chance.
Duran saves the day for Villa
The most-played fixture in English league history delivered a thrilling contest, with Villa mounting a superb comeback after seeming set for consecutive home defeats this season.
Since taking over from Steven Gerrard in October 2022, Spaniard Unai Emery has worked wonders, guiding Villa from the brink of relegation to securing a place among Europe’s elite with a fourth-place finish last season.
Villa, who won the European Cup in 1982, are set to return to Europe’s top competition, kicking off their campaign with a trip to face Young Boys in three days’ time.
Ahead of that, they had to battle to overcome an Everton side that appeared poised for a surprise win on the road. Ollie Watkins ended an eight-game goal drought by heading in one goal and converting another from close range.
Watkins had the chance to complete a hat-trick but sent a first-time effort wide of the post, before fellow forward Jhon Duran stole the spotlight.
There seemed to be little threat when Duran picked up the ball from long range, but he unleashed a powerful strike that flew into the corner of the net.
It was a goal worthy of deciding any match, and Villa climbed to third in the table, with only a defeat to title challengers Arsenal marring their impressive record this season.
Everton’s recurring weaknesses resurface
Everton have suffered four defeats in their opening four matches this season, a feat not seen in 66 years.
It looked like they might finally secure their first points when McNeil calmly finished and Calvert-Lewin added a header, but once again, familiar defensive issues resurfaced as they collapsed.
Sean Dyche’s teams are typically known for their defensive solidity, but Everton have conceded 13 goals in four games, leaving them anchored to the bottom of the table.
Despite scoring, Calvert-Lewin will lament two key missed chances that could have changed the game—failing to convert a one-on-one with Emiliano Martinez at 2-1 up and later hitting the crossbar when trailing 3-2.
Though Everton managed to score multiple goals away for the first time since December, they remain winless on the road this year and now face a crucial early-season showdown against newly promoted Leicester next weekend.