Aston Villa rounded off their preparations for the return of the Premier League with a behind-closed-doors training match against Everton on Wednesday afternoon.
Unai Emery’s team, who welcome Liverpool to Villa Park on Boxing Day, were beaten 2-0 at Goodison Park.
Anthony Gordon handed the hosts the initiative after seven minutes when he fired home from the edge of the box.
Everton’s lead was doubled five minutes later when Neal Maupay netted a header from close range.
Ludwig Augustinsson was denied by Jordan Pickford at the end of a flowing move before John McGinn’s rebound was blocked by Vitalii Mykolenko as the visitors came close to hitting back.
A fierce drive from Boubacar Kamara was pushed away by Pickford in the final act of the first 45 minutes.
Head Coach Emery made a number of changes at the break and saw his side go on the attack at the start of the second half, with Douglas Luiz testing Pickford.
A break from Leander Dendoncker ended with the Belgian teeing up Cameron Archer, who shifted the ball onto his left foot before seeing his shot saved by Everton’s sub ‘keeper Asmir Begovic.
The final whistle saw attention turn to the return of the Premier League on Monday.
