Aston Villa came back from two goals down to claim a 3-2 win over Everton during the Premier League weekend thanks to a brace from Ollie Watkins and an otherworldly hit from Jhon Duran.
Everton raced to a two-goal lead at Villa Park through goals from Dwight McNeil and Dominic Calvert-Lewin but Watkins got the Villains back into the tie with an excellent header before the half-time break, beating the hapless Michael Keane in the air.
Everton fans held their breath. They had been there just before the international break, leading AFC Bournemouth 2-0 before losing 3-2.
For fans, it was deja vu as Watkins netted the equaliser. Duran came on and took the ball from far out before blasting in a terrific hit beyond Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal.
The thunderbolt hit has been earning rave reviews from journalists and watchers. Alan Shearer, a man with several terrific goals, was among those showering the strike with praises.
Shearer said (via The Rest is Football podcast): “They (Everton) were beaten by an outrageous strike. I mean, what a goal, my God. The swerve on it was just bloody brilliant.”
Duran has been in outstanding form this season, with three goals from four substitute appearances. The 20-year-old has netted seven goals as a substitute since the beginning of last season.
Duran’s performances will force him into manager Unai Emery’s reckoning. Many have called for the Spanish coach to pair his two centre-forwards. Some even clamoured for the off-form striker to be dropped for Duran.
Before the Everton game, Watkins had not opened his account for Aston Villa, missing four big chances, including one particularly clear-cut opportunity against Arsenal.
Emery will turn his attention to their opening Champions League game against Swiss side Young Boys before they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Villa Park during the weekend.
We could see Emery pair the two strikers or potentially give Duran 90 minutes to stake his claim for the starting berth.
