Everton certainly looking better so far in this half. Kevin Mirallas twists and turns in the area but the Villa defence stay with him to clear the danger.

Shay Given finally has some work to do and he does it brilliantly, tipping wide a low shot from Romelu Lukaku after a strong run from the Everton striker. The Belgian forward then heads over from the corner.

We're back in action at Villa Park. No changes for either team at the break.

Former Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin
Final Score

"What Tim Sherwood has done to transform individuals at Aston Villa has been better than anything done by any other manager I have seen all season. Grealish, Delph, Benteke, Vlaar. Christian Benteke is the shining light and he just keeps scoring. He has done it brilliantly."

Image source, Getty Images

Everton arrived at Villa Park with five wins in six league games but they've looked tame so far. Some strong words from Roberto Martinez needed at half-time if they're going to prove they are not already on the beach.

John Pierce: That's a disgraceful half from Everton. Passing totally off key, no energy. Shameful.

Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator at Villa Park

"There's a mighty roar around Villa Park for Christian Benteke.

"Villa are two goals to the good and have clear blue water ahead of Everton. Everton have it all to do."

Two set pieces and two goals from Christian Benteke have Villa firmly in the driving seat as they strive for points in the race against relegation.

Shay Given, in the Villa goal, has barely had a save to make. The 39-year-old will have had more strenuous afternoons in his garden.

Doug Robinson: Calling Villa's improvement "a change in fortunes" is selling Sherwood short, as at Spurs. Just a better manager than Lambert.

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Image source, PA

Another goal from Christian Benteke has Villa Park rocking. Ron Vlaar connected with JAck Grealish's corner but his header was off target again. Luckily for him, Benteke was at he back post to turn the ball in.

Pretty safe to assume Gareth Barry isn't enjoying this so far. Another mistake in midfield hands possession to his former club but Villa cannot capitalise as half-time looms.

The Villa fans are a bit happier now. Fabian Delph is back on and looks OK and Gareth Barry has just played an aimless pass into touch, which they enjoyed. Everton showing few signs of getting back into this.

There's a pause in play as Fabian Delph gets some treatment. The Villa fans aren't happy because Everton chose not to put the ball out.

Liverpool Echo Everton editor Greg O'Keeffe on Twiter: "Half an hour gone and #EFC have had no shots (on or off target), no corners and 41% of the ball. Otherwise, we're doing well."

Villa finally have to do some defending as Kevin Mirallas and Leighton Baines put the hosts under some pressure. Everton win a throw in but Romelu Lukaku promptly lays the ball off to Villa's Charles N'Zogbia and the attack is over.

Johnny Magrinho: Can we do PFA Player of the Year voting again? No Benteke & Villa would be relegated. He's absolutely vital to their survival.

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Vlaar clearly felt he should have done better with that chance and shows his frustration by kicking a post. Not sure how wise that is.

Ron Vlaar arrives perfectly on cue to meet Jack Grealish's corner but the Dutch defender heads wide. It should have been 2-0.

Villa are still on top, just about. Everton look keen to hit Lukaku early but the quality of passes into the Belgian has been poor so far.

There's been some goals elsewhere that might interest Villa fans. Sunderland briefly took the lead against Southampton but the Saints have levelled. Burnley are down to 10 men and a goal down against West Ham.