Everton vs. Aston Villa: Winners and Losers from Premier League Game
Everton returned to winning ways after a convincing 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
The home side went ahead on 18 minutes, as the recently prolific Phil Jagielka stooped to head home a Leighton Baines cross.
Romelu Lukaku then doubled that advantage shortly after half-time—aided by Brad Guzan's error—before Seamus Coleman wrapped up proceedings on 76 minutes.
The win takes Everton up to 12th, one place and one point below Villa, who have now suffered four consecutive defeats without scoring.
Here's a look at the winners and losers from this game.
Winner: Leighton Baines
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Baines has recaptured his very best creative form of late, and he continued that hot streak in this game.
He was his side's most influential player, dissecting the visitor's defence with some penetrative passing and some teasing crosses.
The England international grabbed another two assists, making him directly responsible for nine of his side's past 14 goals in all competitions (two goals and seven assists).
In total, he created six chances, the most by an Everton player this season and more than any team-mate has over the past 23 games.
Those six chances put him on 22 for the season, a tally that currently ranks as the third most creative player in the Premier League. Not bad for a defender.
Loser: Christian Benteke
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This will seem harsh given his very recent return from injury, but Christian Benteke was one of the main losers in this game.
The Belgium international is understandably rusty but came up against Antolin Alcaraz—a defender who has conceded 12 goals in his past four starts for Everton.
The centre-back would have been hesitant and nervy during a rare appearance, and should have been tested far more often by his powerful opponent.
As it was, the Paraguayan put in a near faultless display.
Benteke's inclusion allows Villa to play a far more attacking brand of football, but with the striker misfiring, that only opened up additional space for Everton to exploit.
Winner: Ross Barkley
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Ross Barkley was a shock but welcomed addition to Everton's line-up.
Injured since the start of the season, his inclusion provided the catalyst required to spark his side's dominant performance.
The 20-year-old makes a huge difference to the Toffees' approach. His ability to find space and perform quick, sharp turns completely augments his side's attack.
He looked rusty at times, but his return hands Everton a massive boost over the coming weeks.
A 66-minute comeback included three shots, three chances and a first (ever) Premier League assist.
Loser: Aly Cissokho
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Villa provided many contenders for another loser from this game.
From Brad Guzan for his costly error at 1-0, to Charles N'Zogbia for a nonexistent showing, or even Paul Lambert for some questionable selections.
Aly Cissokho, however, was arguably the worst performer on the pitch. In stark contrast to the other left-back on show, the former Liverpool man was truly dire in most aspects of his game.
He was wasteful in the final third, sloppy in possession and guilty of regularly switching off and losing his man, especially at the back post.
Winner: Gareth Barry
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Finally, Gareth Barry was another clear winner from his side's confidence-boosting win.
The former Villa man was booed early on by his previous home fans but provided Everton the control needed to dictate this game.
He was typically prominent in the passing game, connecting with 81 of his 86 passes, the most of any Everton player.
He was also a constant nuisance to Villa when not in possession, winning the ball back six times, again, the most of any team-mate.
The 33-year-old is the key enforcer of his manager's game plan, and the Toffees rarely lose when Barry plays well.
Statistics via WhoScored.com.
