Aston Villa‘s surprise Premier League title challenge took a hit on Sunday as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton.
Unai Emery’s men went into the match seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal and level on points with Manchester City after both sides failed to win on Saturday.
However, they couldn’t capitalise on mistakes from those around them, with Thierno Barry striking in the 59th minute to end a three-game winless streak across all competitions for Everton, who climb to 10th in the table — just four points adrift of the top four.
Emi Martinez’s downward trend continues with costly error
Pau Torres will take the initial blame for Everton’s goal, with his loose touch allowing Dwight McNeil to get a shot on goal. However, that shot was from distance and tame to say the least. The fact that Emi Martinez got two hands to the effort and still spilt it is criminal.
This is not something new from Martinez. The Argentine has now made three errors leading to a goal this season, which is the most of any Premier League player.
All three errors have come since the start of November, showing a clear downward trend in form.
The case for Martinez being the best goalkeeper on the planet had legs a couple of years ago given the heroics he showed for Argentina and Aston Villa, even if it felt a little overblown.
Now, however, he’s a goalkeeper short of confidence, making fundamental errors that have cost Villa precious points in what could have been a title charge to remember.
Martinez needs to rediscover the ironclad ego that made him so formidable, and he needs to do it fast.
James Garner locks down Everton midfield in front of Thomas Tuchel
There were no such troubles for James Garner, who was absolutely sensational for Everton on Sunday.
In reality, Garner has been the Toffees’ best player pretty much all season. Whether deployed as a full-back or midfielder, the former Manchester United man has shown class and determination in equal measure, carrying himself with an exemplary attitude.
Garner took up his favoured midfield role at Villa Park, and he absolutely ran the show.
The 24-year-old was almost flawless with his passing, completing 43 of 48 attempted — including 13 into the final third — at a 90% success rate, while creating one chance.
But it was on the other side of the ball where Garner really shone, consistently frustrating Villa in his position just in front of the Everton backline. Garner made a match-high seven tackles to thwart the likes of Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia, while also making four clearances and four interceptions, and regaining possession with 14 recoveries.
Everton will also owe a big debt of gratitude to Jordan Pickford for this victory after England’s No.1 pulled out a stunning 72nd-minute save to deny Morgan Rogers. But on this form, Garner may well be dreaming of joining Pickford in the Three Lions set-up, especially with Thomas Tuchel in attendance at Villa Park on Sunday.