Oh, so close!

Villa almost double their lead before the break, but after breaking in down the left, Jacob Ramsey's low ball flies right across the face of goal, evading the sliding Philippe Coutinho.

Chance!

This is better from Everton. Alex Iwobi's looping cross drifts over a Villa defender and drops to Demarai Gray near the edge of the six-yard box. He isn't expecting it, though, and he cannot react to poke the ball home.

Soon after, Tom Davies goes for a spectacular volley in the box but fails to connect properly. It is checked by VAR for... something... but play quickly continues.

Anon: Everton are going down, change my mind.

Anon: Definition of idiocy is keep doing the same stupid thing over and over. Gordon failed against Chelsea and is failing against Villa. Get Rondon on!

I'm starting to get the feeling that Anthony Gordon has very quickly earned himself a reputation for diving!

He's not getting many touches of the ball here. A waste of his abilities.

Stephene: Everton's star youngster is so frustrating to watch. He could be Flash Gordon but he's more like Splash Gordon with all that diving!

Chris: Tom Davies comes on to join Tom Daley, sorry Anthony Gordon in attack

This is proving a real struggle for the Everton forwards. They are seeking ways in but failing to find any.

After another attack breaks down, Tom Davies fouls a Villa player to stop them breaking and goes into book.

Regardless of what else he brings to a side, Conor Coady sure knows how to organise.

He is 40 minutes into his debut here and already barking instructions to his team-mates and showing them where they need to be.

Conor Coady has to be strong to hold off Ollie Watkins as Matty cash's ball down the right drops for the forward. He gets between man and ball to shepherd the ball back to Jordan Pickford.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport at Villa Park

Image source, BBC Sport

Every outfield player was over to celebrate that goal as Aston Villa deservedly take the lead.

It shows the importance of having a recognised striker leading the line as Danny Ings produced a clinical finish.

Everton, meanwhile, once again have Anthony Gordon as a makeshift forward and the stats speak for themselves as they are yet to manage a shot on target.

You can see how the lack of a proper striker is hurting Everton.

It simply isn't sticking up top. They have very little threat. Anthony Gordon is a quick, skilful and willing runner, but he's not a central forward.

Kevin Campbell
Former Everton and Arsenal striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

You can see the difference between the teams, Villa have two strikers at the top pitch who know what they're doing.

John McGinn as the new captain puts his foot in and wants to win the ball back quickly.

After the horror show at Bournemouth last weekend, that goal is just what Villa needed. It heaps a whole load of extra pressure on Everton, though.

Tom Davies is the man Frank Lampard turns to as Doucoure's replacement.

Al: Seems like Anthony Gordon has not learned from his antics last season but the referees have.

Erik: Anthony Gordon still diving around this season. Trying to get Mings sent off. Will he never learn? Shameful!

It gets worse for Everton. Abdoulaye Doucoure is down and it looks like Everton will need to make a change.

Yet more injury issues for the Blues.

Villa come back swinging and win a corner. But Nathan Patterson wins a solid header at the back post.

Shortly after, the Blues full-back is tripped by Philippe Coutinho, who goes into the book.

The drinks break is probably worse timing for Everton than Villa. They were having a decent little moment.

Kyle: Gordon is an excellent young prospect but he has to stop going down so easily. Referees are on to it and they aren't going to fall for it.

Frankie: Gordon carrying from last season....top diver.

J: Why doesn't someone have a word with Anthony Gordon about play acting. It is not a good look and he needs guidance