Thierno Barry's second-half goal propelled Everton to a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, significantly denting the home side's Premier League title aspirations. The defeat ended Villa's impressive 11-game winning streak at home in all competitions.

Villa, managed by Unai Emery, entered the match with high stakes, as a win would have narrowed the gap on league leaders Arsenal to just four points after both Arsenal and Manchester City dropped points. However, Everton, under the guidance of David Moyes, had different plans.

The game began with early drama, as Merlin Rohl of Everton struck the post within the first 11 seconds. Everton thought they had taken the lead when Jake O'Brien headed the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call against Harrison Armstrong. Adding to Villa's woes, John McGinn was forced off the pitch with an injury in the 18th minute, disrupting their rhythm. McGinn's absence was compounded by the fact that Boubacar Kamara was already sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

Villa had their own opportunities to score in the first half. Morgan Rogers missed a chance early on, and Evann Guessand, McGinn's replacement, saw his effort thwarted by Everton's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after a precise through ball from Youri Tielemans. Rogers had another chance later in the half, but O'Brien made a crucial block to deny him.

The decisive moment arrived in the 59th minute when Thierno Barry capitalized on a mistake by Villa's Pau Torres and a subsequent fumble by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. Barry reacted quickly to dink the ball over Martínez, and despite Konsa's attempt to clear it off the line, the ball found the back of the net.

Despite the setback, Villa pushed for an equalizer. Tielemans delivered a cross that Buendía headed just wide of the post in added time, but Everton held on to secure the victory.

Everton's resolute defense and Barry's clinical finish proved enough to secure a valuable three points, moving them up to 10th place in the Premier League table. For Aston Villa, the defeat was a significant blow to their title hopes, leaving them in third place, seven points behind Arsenal.