5 Telling Stats from Everton’s Goalless Draw at Aston Villa

A point.

But what did the numbers tell us about the game?

Europe Hopes Fading Fast

Blues currently two points off Europa League

The game at Villa Park was Everton’s long-awaited ‘game in hand’. Unfortunately, the Blues couldn’t turn this prospect into a significant points bolster.

It now means Everton are level on points with Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy the Europa Conference League position but with a significantly better goal difference.

Liverpool’s win at Manchester United has also probably put them out of reach (four points and a better goal difference with three games to go) in fifth, meaning the second Europa League spot, currently belonging to West Ham United, is Everton’s last hope of decent European nights next season.

There are effectively four teams in the mix for sixth place, but with Manchester City away on the final day, Everton really need to pick up six points from Sheffield United and Wolves to be in with any real chance of grabbing it.

If not, the new Europa Conference League – or no European football at all – beckons.

The Best EVER?

One more point will make this Everton’s best ever away record

It might seem laughable on the back of this result and season, but if Everton avoid defeat at Man City on the final day, they will have recorded the best ever away record in the club’s 143-year history.

The current record stands at 1.95 points per game (in 1969/70). If Everton lose against City, they’ll picked up 1.9473 points per game (so technically the same if you round it up), while a draw will mean they averaged 2.0 points per game, and an unlikely win will see them destroy the existing record with 2.1 points per game.

Unfortunately, Everton are garbage at home.

Of course, much can be said for this unusual fan-less season, with 11 out of the 20 Premier League clubs having an average more away points than home points this season. By comparison, in 2018/19 (i.e. the last “normal” season), only one club (Southampton) managed this.

Clean Sheets

9 clean sheets away from home

Indeed, the key to Everton’s impressive away form has been their ability to keep it tight at the back.

On the road, Everton have kept nine clean sheets in the league. Only in 1969/70 have the Blues ever kept more (11).

The Blues have conceded just 15 goals in 18 away games this season, but have shipped 27 in 17 at home.

Allan Shines

Progressive play from the Brazilian

The Brazilian followed a sterling performance at the London Stadium with another midfield masterclass against Villa.

While normally a very secure pivot and safety net for the team, the 30-year-old has been very progressive and direct in his play recently.

Against Villa he completed two key passes (third most for Everton), completed a dribble and completed four out of six long balls (most among outfield players).

Three Games to Go

The summer break is upon us

Hang on in there.