‘Incredible’… Leon Osman hails Everton star Vitaliy Mykolenko before Aston Villa
A cagey affair which has seen both goalkeepers called into action, it was Alex Moreno’s 18th-minute strike from the edge of the area that seemed set to separate the sides.
And whilst there was a long VAR check debating an offside call, surprisingly the decision fell in the favour of the hosts, leaving Goodison Park stunned.
The rest of the match has played out much of the same as before that moment, although it has ebbed and flowed to allow Everton to press high, and Villa to get joy in behind.
Regardless, it has been a solid display from one man, with Vitaliy Mykolenko, justifying the pre-match praise from Leon Osman.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (13:58 pm), the former Everton midfielder was effusive in his praise for the full-back, who endured a tough start to life on Merseyside immediately following his 2022 move.
Well, the Ukraine international has charged to prominence now, with the 24-year-old even arguing his importance rivals that of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jordan Pickford.
Osman noted: ‘It’s been an incredible rise from Vitaliy Mykolenko. When he first joined I wasn’t certain about him. He looks stronger this season and is happy to go toe-to-toe with wingers. He’s one of the first men on the team sheet now.’
Everton admittedly got rather lucky with that aforementioned Moreno call, given it took over three minutes for the officials to decide on a decision that had initially been called onside.
Hardly a clear and obvious error, but a refreshing change to see the Toffees on the right side of a VAR call.
And whilst it was a solid start, in which they threatened going forward on a number of occasions, Villa did grow into the aggressor.
Mykolenko will likely be called upon heavily in this second half, but the £58k-a-week defender will relish the opportunity to put in a hefty challenge and snuff out defence.
He is a true old-school full-back and arguably thrives when his side has their back against the wall.
As part of a backline set to be tested immensely by the wealth of attacking talent at Unai Emery’s disposal, their potential success will prove pivotal in gaining a result today.
