Everton headed into the game winless in their last 12 Premier League matches against Aston Villa stretching back to when Villa returned to the Premier League in 2019-20 with nine losses and four draws. Their last win was in March 2016, a 3-1 win at Villa Park.

Everton dominated from the outset, creating the clearest openings, but when they breached Villa’s stubborn defence, Martinez was on hand to deny them

Beto missed two big chances for the Toffees; Jack Grealish impressed against his former side; Villa are still yet to score a goal or win a game in the 2025/26 season

Despite failing to win a third league match on the bounce, there were plenty of positives for David Moyes’s side. They were by far the better of the two sides and showed a lot of intent in this game.

It's as clear a sign as any that Emery has been let down by Villa's owners, NSWE. Of course, they cannot attribute for injuries, but Lindelof - an injury-prone defender himself, who only featured in 16 games for a leaky United last season - should not be brought on for a side in Europe in midfield.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has welcomed the return of Emi Martinez and wants the Argentina goalkeeper to feel “comfortable and confident” in the team after failing to secure a move to Manchester United late in the transfer window.

All the latest Premier League news as French defender Lucas Digne suffers a gruesome injury during Aston Villa's clash against Everton on Saturday afternoon.