On the far side from where Donyell Malen left Goodison Park, the loudest cheers could be heard in the away end.
They were reserved for Ollie Watkins.
He was the eventual match-winner, taking the type of chance that Aston Villa threatened throughout the first half. Capitalising on the ball spilling out of Everton’s grasp in midfield, Morgan Rogers, Villa’s best vehicle in transition, found Watkins’ run.
It was a move finally laced with finesse and completion. For so much of the game, Villa fell below attacking standards; in truth, it is the undercurrent to their season.
“We spoke about being more clinical at half time,” said Watkins after the 1-0 victory. “We didn’t get too many chances in the second half, but we managed to take it and move. It was a professional performance — we ground it out and got there.”
Malen was sat behind Yasin Ozcan, the 18-year-old defender who will soon join in a deal worth €7million plus a further €1m in possible add-ons. He signifies a “project player” acquisition specifically led by Monchi, president of football operations. Other young targets of similar ilk include SM Caen’s Tidiam Gomis, who had been in advanced discussions to join last week, but Villa remain in battle for the teenager with other clubs such as RB Leipzig.
Monchi stood in a corner outside the away dressing room at Goodison Park. He was glued to his phone, eyes downwards and taking calls. “I’m busy,” he smiled, upon looking up.
Thirty minutes later, Villa had confirmed the departure of summer (re)signing, Jaden Philogene, who left nearly as swiftly as he arrived, joining Ipswich Town.
At the second time of asking, Philogene was judged to not be what Villa needed. It had been decided a fortnight earlier — the evening following Villa’s 2-1 victory against Leicester City — that thinking would pivot from a loan to a permanent move away. Principally, this suited the player and the club, who required financial scope to recruit Malen.
The Netherlands international was not registered in time to feature on Merseyside, mingling in the directors’ box at half-time, rather then providing an insertion of inspiration to Unai Emery.
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Villa lacked ruthlessness and ended up turning inwards, leaning on defensive resolve for what was their first away league victory since October 19. Watkins curled an effort wide in the first half, having been presented with Ashley Young’s gift of a back pass before Jacob Ramsey skewed a bouncing ball into the stands.
Villa are three points from the top four yet, paradoxically, have not performed well for an entire match. This season has been wrapped in fits and starts, with flashes of familiarity but overridden by a sense of drift.
These themes have contributed to Villa wanting to be active in the transfer market. The threat of the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) still weigh heavy and Villa are becoming more nimble and swayed by what those in the business industry may call “market opportunities.” Malen and Ozcan have arrived, though the club intend to strengthen further.
In fairness, Malen represented a diversion to more long-term thinking. Villa’s interest in the 25-year-old had lingered for 12 months but they did not have the money or PSR room to sign him in the previous two windows.
Those close to Malen noted forwards like him have typically peaked under Emery’s tutelage. He remains Emery’s favourite type of forward; an unfulfilled prodigious talent in need of their potential unlocking.
“We will watch,” replied Emery briskly, when asked what Malen would offer his team.
“I’ve seen what he can do for his national team and Dortmund,” said Watkins. “I’m excited to play with him. I didn’t realise he made the journey up here tonight — fair play to him. I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
Malen was Villa’s ninth signing since the end of last season — a significant amount that ordinarily would lead to a regeneration of the squad. This, however, has not yet been reflected in Emery’s immediate plans, with eight of the players who started against Everton having been at the club under Steven Gerrard.
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One of Gerrard’s marquee signings, Diego Carlos, was not at Goodison. He had a “small injury”, according to Emery when The Athletic asked about his availability on Tuesday afternoon. A few hours later, Emery’s words had reached the Brazilian defender who, on Instagram, dismissed the notion he was injured.
Diego Carlos’ Villa career has been derailed by injuries but his latest omission was a quintessential case of a player involved in a protracted departure. Maybe it is not a coincidence Emery insisted he had a “small injury” in August, when he was in discussions to join Fulham.
No move materialised then and Diego Carlos is back in the same position. His representatives are scouring the market and have found Turkey as a likely destination. Fenerbache blinked first, though their opening proposal fell below Villa’s asking price. Galatasaray are the next team attempting to strike a deal.
Villa’s recruitment is stuck on a constant swivel. If Diego Carlos leaves, Villa will have to sign a central defender to replace him. So Monchi has leaned upon his connections at former club Sevilla for Loic Bade.
The 24-year-old has a release clause of €50million but Sevilla require funds and an agreement could be struck for a considerably lower price. Villa made enquiries regarding Milan Skriniar from Paris Saint-Germain, with his salary deemed prohibitive.
Villa knew Everton would not look much different under David Moyes as they did under Sean Dyche. They stayed with a similar shape and personnel and Villa knew they would seek counter-attacking opportunities.
Consequently, the positioning of right-back Matty Cash was vital, knowing when to be released forward and when to tuck inside, stopping potential counter-attacks. In the second half and protecting a lead, Emery attempted to physically move Cash deeper and behind the ball.
It is no secret Villa prioritised adding competition to the position at the start of this month. They have identified a handful of targets, some of whom with contrasting skill sets. Wesley Franca from Flamengo, for example, is smaller and more attack-minded than Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza, whose ability to play at left-back and central defence appeals to Villa. Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu then brings another point of difference.
The variation in right-back options illustrates the undetermined, unknowing nature of a transfer window.
Moments of penetration created chances against Everton. Villa are more cutting when they play forward quickly and accurately — two traits that have often absent this season.
“Things come in waves, don’t they?” said Watkins. “I felt like we’ve created chances to put ourselves in the right areas and either just been unlucky with the keeper making good saves or had poor execution.”
Players would admit they have higher levels to hit, even if they are well-positioned. Senior figures see every window as an opportunity to augment the squad, but this month feels especially pressing.
(Header photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
