A disappointing night at Villa Park was compounded by a worrying injury to John McGinn, who was forced off early in the first half.

The winter of our discontent had been gripping Everton as they drove the 2 hour trip down the M6 to the country’s second city to face an in-form Aston Villa. The Villains had six wins, one draw and one loss to Arsenal since the beginning of December so the Blues were up against it before the match even started.

Aston Villa has become the latest title challenger to trip up on a weekend of surprising results in the Premier League after losing 1-0 at home to Everton because of a defensive blunder.

The Lions enter Sunday looking to extend their league point streak to three, also having beaten Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend. Aston Villa does have notable wins over Chelsea and Manchester United, but its 4-1 loss to Arsenal last month shows the club has some work to do.

Few if anyone predicted Everton to get a result at Villa Park today given their long list of absentees and Aston Villa's incredible run of form.  However, the Toffees are closing in on another fine away win thanks to the suddenly red-hot Thierno Barry.

Match of the Day pundit Joe Hart says Everton players and fans are right to be "frustrated" by their disallowed goal against Aston Villa, it was the correct decision.

Everton have shown an interest in the two strikers — which is no surprise given how Thierno Barry and Beto have struggled this season