Everton 0-2 Aston Villa: Instant Reaction | Typical

Everton traveled to Birmingham for Friday night football with designs on ascending to the top of the table. What came next was more of a nightmare than a dream. An impotent attack was let down by the Blues’ previously stalwart defense and Aston Villa only needed one opportunity to notch all three points.

I’m sure you’ll be surprised to know that the way things went down could not have possibly been more Everton. Marco Silva’s men dominated the early stretches of the match, looking fast and fluid, but unable to find the final move. The longer Everton went without being able to find a goal, the more Aston Villa were able to find the game.

It wasn’t long until Andre Gomes got caught arguing with the referee and a quick free kick taken by Villa caught everyone off guard. Michael Keane lost the run of Wesley at the back, and the burly Brazilian slotted simply past Pickford.

Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

Things never really got better from there. Andre Gomes had maybe his worst game in an Everton shirt, and while Silva got Alex Iwobi and Moise Kean onto the field late, he failed to do so in a way that made any sense at all.

Everton did their best to chase the game, but they were poorly equipped to do so. They only look competent when they aren’t being hit in the mouth. It’s frustrating, and confusing, too. The talent is there. The execution is missing.

Marco Silva has had an attacking problem since the first ball was kicked in preseason. If Everton give up a goal - any goal - they’re screwed. That has to change while the season is still young.