Everton's UEFA Champions League hopes in dire trouble after 1-2 loss to Aston Villa

Dominic Calvert-Lewin canceled out Ollie Watkins early goal. Anwar El Ghazi scored the late winner for Aston Villa.

Aston Villa have effectively dented Everton's hopes of a UEFA Champions League spot by beating them 1-2. (Image credit: Twitter)
By Sreejith C R | May 2, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Everton’s European hopes dealt a blow by a 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa at the Goodison Park on Saturday night. The loss left Carlo Ancelotti’s side trailing fourth placed Chelsea by nine points. Ollie Watkins gave Aston Villa the early lead before Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the equalizer few minutes later. Anwar El Ghazi got the winner for Villa with a superb strike ten minutes before time. Jordan Pickford had an excellent game between the posts for Everton.

Ollie Watkins gave Villa the lead in the 13th minute. Everton defender Mason Holgate committed an error while attempting to play out from the back. Watkins stole the ball and showed great strength and balance to hold on to the ball before firing it in between Pickford’s legs to make it 1-0 for the away side.

Six minutes after the goal Calvert-Lewin equalized for the home side. The England striker scored off a right-wing corner from Lucas Digne. Calvert-Lewin broke away from his marker Ross Barkley before heading the left-footed in swinging corner past Pickford at the far post. It was the Englishman’s 20th goal of the campaign.

El Ghazi stuns Aston Villa

Few minutes after the equalizer, Calvert-Lewin was denied by Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez from close range. Calvert-Lewin’s diving header off Digne’s first time cross from the left flank was well kept out by Martinez quick reflex save. In the other end, Pickford made a number of fabulous saves to deny Villa the lead, before El-Ghazi scored off a stunning curler.

El-Ghazi received the ball at the edge of the box from Traore. The Dutchman cut inside and curled a superb shot into the top left corner of Pickford to make it 2-1 for Aston Villa.

The win propelled Dean Smith’s side into ninth spot, just behind Everton. After the loss, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are on 52 points from 33 games. The Toffees squandered the chance to go above Liverpool and Tottenham. With just five games remaining, Everton’s chances of a Champions League qualification look bleak.

On the other hand, Manchester City can seal their Premier League title next weekend if they beat Chelsea. Pep Guardiola’s side will be focusing on the second leg of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Manchester City won the first leg in Paris 2-1 and will be hoping to reach the final for the first time in a long time.





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