BIRMINGHAM, England (Jan. 18, 2026) (Interstat) — Everton opened its Premier League season with a 1-0 road victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, defying heavy pre-match projections at Villa Park.

The match’s lone goal came in the 59th minute from Everton’s Thierno Barry, breaking a deadlock in a contest defined by midfield tension and cautions. Everton’s Dwight McNeil and James Garner received yellow cards in the first half, while Villa’s Lamar Bogarde was booked just before Barry’s decisive strike.

The result was a significant upset. Statistical models had heavily favored Aston Villa, projecting a draw or a Villa win with an 89% probability. The loss marks a disappointing start for the home side in league play.