Everton played out a goalless draw with Aston Villa at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Despite creating a number of chances, Everton just couldn’t find the winning goal and had to settle for a point in the end.
That leaves David Moyes’ side in sixth place in the Premier League table, so it’s still been an encouraging start.
Team MP W D L GD Pts
1 Arsenal 4 3 0 1 8 9
2 Tottenham 4 3 0 1 7 9
3 Liverpool 3 3 0 0 4 9
4 Bournemouth 4 3 0 1 1 9
5 Chelsea 4 2 2 0 6 8
6 Everton 4 2 1 1 2 7
7 Sunderland 4 2 1 1 2 7
8 Crystal Palace 4 1 3 0 3 6
9 Newcastle 4 1 2 1 0 5
10 Fulham 4 1 2 1 -1 5
The Toffees seem to have adapted to life at the new stadium really quickly, and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery had a lot to say about the ground, speaking post-match.
Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Unai Emery loves Everton’s new stadium
After the game, Emery admitted the Toffees are a better side than last year and he heaped praise on the new 52,000-seater stadium.
“We didn’t concede one goal,” the Villa boss explained. “We conceded some chances but it’s normal and Everton are playing better and they are playing with confidence and here, exciting at the fantastic new stadium and the supporters and I enjoy a lot of the match.
“I enjoy a lot, competing, suffering but I enjoy it and that’s the way I want. It’s a fantastic stadium and of course they needed it.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“Goodison Park a very good stadium but old. It is a fantastic stadium and we like to play here. Villa Park old but a fantastic stadium as well and going to build there to add more supporters, another 10,000. I think, and it will be fantastic.”
David Moyes says Everton are still rebuilding in new stadium
Moyes admitted that Everton were the better side and should’ve scored the winning goal, but noted they’re still trying to ‘rebuild’ in the new stadium.
“If anybody was going to win it, I thought it was us on our performance today,” the Scotsman explained.
“We did so many good things in the game, and we just couldn’t get that finishing touch. I think a manager’s job is to raise expectations, that is part of it, but everybody here is aware of where we came from.
“We are trying to recreate and rebuild in a new stadium. We just couldn’t get that goal.”
The Toffees return to action on Saturday lunchtime as they take on their rival neighbours Liverpool at Anfield.
