David Moyes hails Everton grit as Thierno Barry goal sinks Aston Villa

Thierno Barry scored the decisive goal just before the hour mark at Villa Park, calmly clipping the ball over Emiliano Martínez after the goalkeeper had parried Dwight McNeil's initial effort.

The goal ended Villa's 11-game winning run in the league and handed Everton their first league victory over Villa since March 2016.

Speaking after the match, Moyes admitted he had concerns before kick-off due to Everton's depleted squad. "I came here a bit worried about what we had available to us," he said. "We were missing four or five regular players, but I said to the lads, 'Let's give the supporters something today.' The players worked tirelessly and got an incredible result."

Everton defended with discipline throughout and had chances of their own. Merlin Röhl struck the post after just 11 seconds, while Jake O'Brien saw a first-half header ruled out for offside. Villa pushed hard after falling behind, but Jordan Pickford produced a superb save to deny Morgan Rogers late on.

Moyes highlighted the collective effort, adding: "They kept defending, kept blocking, and showed great spirit. There's something about Everton, something about the supporters, that can make these moments happen."

The win lifted Everton back into the top half of the table, four points off the top four. Since Moyes' first away league game after returning to the club in January 2025, Everton's ten away wins in the Premier League are the joint-most in the division, level with Arsenal.

Barry's winner was his fourth goal in seven league starts, while Röhl impressed in midfield. "Thierno is still learning," Moyes said. "Scoring winning goals matters. Merlin is coming back from surgery and beginning to show what he can do. We have to give young players time."

For Moyes and Everton, this was a statement built on belief, organisation and resolve. 

READ MORE: Springbok Women Sevens go undefeated to claim inaugural SVNS 3 crown in Dubai