BIRMINGHAM, England, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Jhon Duran scored a brilliant long-range winner as Aston Villa came from two goals down to beat Everton 3-2 in a hugely entertaining Premier League clash on Saturday, as striker Ollie Watkins opened his account for the season with a brace.
Everton led against the run of play inside the first 27 minutes through goals from Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but their defensive frailties that have seen them concede 13 goals in four games this campaign returned.
Dwight McNeil scores an excellent goal to grab the lead for Everton at Villa Park!
NBC & Peacock | #AVLEVE pic.twitter.com/4miY4A4jx1— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 14, 2024
DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN MAKES IT 2-0 TO EVERTON.
NBC and Peacock | #AVLEVE pic.twitter.com/y6abYcZUp3— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 14, 2024
Watkins scored his first with a header before halftime and then equalised following a mistake from Jack Harrison. Duran earned his side the three points with a stunning 30-yard goal 14 minutes from the end that swerved into the top corner.
Ollie Watkins' first Premier League goal of the season is a HUGE one to get Aston Villa back in it against Everton.
NBC & Peacock | #AVLEVE pic.twitter.com/FyDPRRdYBF— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 14, 2024
OLLIE WATKINS HAS HIS SECOND GOAL OF THE DAY. TIE GAME AT VILLA PARK.
NBC and Peacock | #AVLEVE pic.twitter.com/13DsLGeGA5— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 14, 2024
Jhon Duran amazing goal vs. Everton
THAT IS MAGNIFICENT.
JHON DURAN WITH AN ABSOLUTE SCREAMER. ASTON VILLA LEAD 3-2.NBC and Peacock | #AVLEVE pic.twitter.com/jasDnmyOAA
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 14, 2024
Same, Emi. Same. #AVLEVE pic.twitter.com/2fSmUAaX3b
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) September 14, 2024
Everyone after that Jhon Duran goal pic.twitter.com/L887tP6uWk
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) September 14, 2024
Villa move up to third place in the table with nine points from their four matches, while Everton are rooted to the foot of the table having lost all four of their games.
(Reporting by Nick Said, Editing by Louise Heavens)
