Jhon Duran scored a goal of the year contender to clinch three points for Aston Villa in a breathless 3-2 win over Everton on Saturday.
Just as they did against Bournemouth before the international break, the Toffees went two goals to the good, with Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring.
Ollie Watkins opened his account for the campaign when he pulled one back ahead of the break. Calvert-Lewin smacked the ball off the bar after the interval, but it was Watkins who struck next to level matters.
Duran was sprung from the bench for the fourth game in a row and, just like against West Ham and Leicester City, made a decisive contribution. The Colombian let fly from distance to propel the ball past a helpless Jordan Pickford and into the goal.
It was a stunning finish worthy of winning any game, one that his Villa strike partner certainly appreciated. “It takes a moment of magic like that, and Jhon has come up with it,” Watkins told Sky Sports.
“Everyone knows what he can do, and when he’s got the opportunity he shows it. It’s one of the best [goals] we’ve seen.”
"THAT is a goal to take your breath away!" 😱
What a strike from Jhon Durán! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/QSVcn8AUQt
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 14, 2024
The England international had been struggling to recapture the form of last season after missing pre-season due to his part in England’s run to the final of Euro 2024, but he has kickstarted his campaign with that brace against Everton.
“There’s such a quick turnaround from the Euros,” he explained. “A lot of the boys are getting back up to fitness. I still don’t feel 100 percent. I’m disappointed a didn’t get the hat-trick – I should be coming off with the match ball – but I’ll settle for the two.
“I’m not at 100 percent. I took some time off during the international break. I don’t want to miss too many matches, though.
“We were obviously unlucky against Arsenal. We’re delighted we got [the win] today. Now we focus on the Champions League, which everyone is looking forward to.”
