Everton come from behind to beat Aston Villa

Everton have secured a hard-fought 2-1 home win against Aston Villa in the Premier League.

The hosts settled quickly into the game as Ross Barkley miscued an early effort. However, they went much closer moments later when Aiden McGeady hit the post with a curling shot after cutting in from the wing.

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Villa began to see some of the ball, although they found it hard to get Christian Benteke and Grant Holt involved in the play.

Despite enjoying the majority of possession, the hosts struggled to threaten, and Phil Jagielka had to be alert to clear Fabian Delph's cross.

McGeady looked dangerous and worked space for a shot, but his attempt was poor and Brad Guzan made a simple stop.

Villa then enjoyed a rare spell of pressure and a promising move ended with Ron Vlaar trying his luck with a volley, but his effort went over the crossbar.

However, Bacuna put the visitors ahead when he slotted the ball home from Benteke's pass.

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Everton went on the attack early in the second half as Leon Osman missed two good chances to test Guzan, but he fired wide on both occasions.

Steven Pienaar managed to find the target moments later, but Guzan was well placed to make a simple save.

However, Everton finally made the breakthrough with just over 15 minutes remaining. Pienaar played through a flick for Steven Naismith, who slotted the ball past Guzan to level the score.

The home side completed the comeback with a sublime free kick by Kevin Mirallas.