John McGinn launches the ball forward and Ollie Watkins does well to win a battle with Yerry Mina to get possession. He waits for support before the ball is worked to Jacob Ramsey, who is clipped on the edge of the box but Craig Pawson doesn't feel it was a foul.

Philippe Coutinho has been relatively quiet so far. There's been one nice flick but other than that, quiet.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Goodison Park

Duncan Ferguson is prowling his technical but nothing for him to get too excited about yet other than Aston Villa wasting time at a throw in while Jacob Ramsey changed his shirt.

All rather low key.

First real moment of the game as Emiliano Buendia breaks forward, holding off challenges before firing a low effort that Jordan Pickford has to dive across to push away.

Everton then respond as a good move almost comes off but the flicked ball through for Dominic Calvert-Lewin is just out of the striker's reach.

Aston Villa are momentarily down to 10 men because Jacob Ramsey has just had his shirt quite literally torn off by Abdoulaye Doucoure.

A quick change and Ramsey is back on, although now nameless until half time at least.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa players snap at Richarlison as he attempts to bring a high ball in the box under control. The Villa players do well to not concede a penalty as they tussle before eventually managing to clear.

David Ljungren: Given how badly Keane has played this season he is lucky to have made the Everton subs’ bench to be honest.

Dion Dublin
Former Aston Villa striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

John McGinn has been the backbone to what Villa have done. It was a full-blooded challenge from him, put it that way.

Douglas Luiz takes the free kick... and it flies just over the bar.

Decent effort from some way out.

Everton fans are fuming as referee Craig Pawson pulls play back for a free kick after initially giving advantage. It was for Emiliano Buendia having his shirt pulled and Aston Villa have a free kick some 30 yards from goal...

A few grumblings as ex-Everton man Lucas Digne tries to get away down the flank but his progress is halted by Yerry Mina.

It has been a bright start from both sides, both going for it.

Jordan Pickford then has to be alert to a quick break by Aston Villa as Ollie Watkins chases a ball into the Everton box but Pickford gets there first to clear.

Andre Gomes sends a free kick into the box after Richarlison is fouled. The ball is flicked on but Emi Martinez is off his line to pluck the ball out of the air.

One last big roar from the home fans and the game gets under way.

I presume Steven Gerrard was booed as he came out but they were pretty much drowned out by the cheers for the home side.

Great atmosphere.

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Radio 5 Live at Goodison Park

The pressure now is on the owner and Bill Kenwright to get it right.

There’s been so much money spent over the years and Everton have gone backwards. The fans want to see proper management.

There’s a far bigger picture, and something that has to be addressed sooner rather than later.

There's a roar as the Everton players emerge onto the pitch. Scarves with Duncan Ferguson's name on it are being held out up in the air. Goodison Park is the most buoyant it has been for some time.