Everton are preparing to face Aston Villa
Everton are preparing to face Aston Villa

Paul Robinson slams 'Absolutely awful' Everton moment v Aston Villa

Jonathan Burnett

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

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Everton got away with not conceding more after "awful" marking in their 3-2 loss to Aston Villa, Paul Robinson has said.

Speaking on co-commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live (14 September, 5:39pm), Robinson lambasted the Toffees' defensive organisation amid several early Villa chances.

Highlighting the poor marking after Ezri Konsa headed wide just moments after Ollie Watkins' effort from a corner drew a good save from Jordan Pickford, Robinson didn't hold back.

He said: “The marking from Everton is absolutely awful, and to be fair to Konsa, he should have scored – Villa should be 1-0 up right now.

"It's just one-way traffic isn't it – you almost get a feeling it's when, not if, Villa score."

Paul Robinson right as Aston Villa win 3-2 v Everton

Robinson's verdict that it was only a matter of time before Villa took the lead over Sean Dyche's side didn't exactly come to pass at Villa Park, but the rearguard was eventually breached three times.

Within just 15 minutes of his comments, the Blues had taken a shock 2-0 lead through Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but Villa remained a near-constant threat at the other end.

Everton
Jordan Pickford made several big saves for Everton, but had no chance for all three of Aston Villa's goals

Sitting deep and looking to hit the hosts on the counter-attack eventually caught up with Dyche's defence, as Watkins halved the deficit just before half-time in a sign of things to come.

The Toffees boss bringing on another centre-back in Jake O'Brien was a clear attempt to sit tight and hold on for a point after Jack Harrison's mistake allowed Watkins to steal in and make it 2-2.

But that also came back to bite Dyche, with Jhon Duran given all the time in the world to hit an absolute screamer from 30 yards in the 76th minute, consigning the Blues to a second 3-2 defeat on the bounce.

Something needs to change very soon.

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