Aston Villa extended their goalless run at the start of the Premier League season, becoming just the fifth side in history to fail to score across their opening four fixtures, as they held Everton to a 0-0 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Softfootball reports.
The Vallains, despite failing to score on Saturday’s sunny afternoon, saw goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez having a decent moment on his return to the starting line-up.
Just as David Moyes had stated and reported by Softfootball, Illiman Ndiaye, who was doubtful of playing Saturday’s game was active for the entirety of the game.
Unai Emery’s side remain 19th after another frustrating afternoon, marking their second draw this season. However, they were indebted to goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez on his return to the starting line-up. The Argentina international, back after speculation over a possible move to Manchester United, produced crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay. Martinez, after the game, shared his thoughts on his official X handle, stating that:
When I wear the crest, I give nothing less than my all #utv
The best of those stops came in the first half, when Martínez got down low to deny Jack Grealish’s driven strike before reacting sharply after the restart to claw away Michael Keane’s point-blank header.
The former Villa captain Grealish caused problems throughout for his old club, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto both found themselves frustrated in front of goal, with the latter wasting two clear chances inside the penalty area.
Everton, who would have moved level with Arsenal and Liverpool at the top of the table with victory, were the brighter side across both halves but could not find the breakthrough. Unai Emery introduced summer signings Harvey Elliott and former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof from the bench in search of added creativity, but neither new arrival could change the outcome.
Villa, meanwhile, will take some relief from a resilient defensive display, though their attacking drought leaves them with serious questions to answer. Everton stay fifth after being forced to settle for a point that felt like two dropped. Aston Villa’s next game is against Sunderland at Villa Park, while Everton plays West Ham at the London Stadium next week.
