Aston Villa 3-2 Everton: Christian Benteke scores twice in vital win in battle for survival

Christian Benteke's first-half double helped Aston Villa boost their chances of Premier League survival with a 3-2 home win over Everton.

Benteke's 10th-minute header gave Villa the lead on Saturday, before the Belgian scored his 12th goal in 11 games with a far-post finish before the break.

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Everton halved the deficit in the second half through Romelu Lukaku's penalty, but Villa regained their two-goal lead five minutes later through Tom Cleverley's neat finish.

Phil Jagielka's header in stoppage time made it 3-2, but Villa held on and the result keeps them two points clear of the drop zone with three games remaining. 

After Leicester's 3-0 win over Newcastle earlier in the day, Villa were under pressure to earn a positive result, and they duly started the brighter.

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Tim Sherwood's side were ahead after just 10 minutes, Benteke rising high above Leighton Baines to connect with Fabian Delph's deep cross from six yards.

They were nearly 2-0 up from another set piece, but unmarked Ron Vlaar's header from close range went just wide of Tim Howard’s goal.

But Villa did double their lead just before half-time, as Jack Grealish's dangerous corner evaded Vlaar but was met by Benteke at the far post to slide home from a couple of yards.

Everton improved after half-time, and earned a penalty after some poor defending from Villa resulted in Vlaar bringing down Steven Naismith.

Lukaku rolled the ball just beyond Shay Given for 2-1, but moments later Villa scored against the run of play.

After being put through on goal by a fine through ball from Leandro Bacuna, Cleverley struck the ball high past Howard for his second goal in two games (64).

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Villa had most of the play for the remaining 25 minutes, but Everton made for a nervy last two as Jagielka nodded the ball over the line after a melee-  despite Shay Given's appeals for a foul in the six-yard box.

Sherwood's Villa held on for his fourth Premier League win as manager, but results elsewhere mean the hosts are still in a battle for survival. 

Soccer Saturday verdict – Charlie Nicholas

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"This is the best I’ve seen Aston Villa in a long time. For me they have an all-round balance. They have energy, desire, positive passing and running, it was all there today. Villa were more than worthy of the three points and they looked a really good side today. 

"Delph was absolutely magical today, Westwood sat in front of the back allowed Delph and Cleverley to go show their energy. Benteke was a constant problem for Everton. This is by far and away the best Aston Villa performance this season."

Player ratings

Aston Villa: Given (6), Bacuna (7), Vlaar (5), Okore (7), Richardson (6), Westwood (7), Cleverley (7), Delph (8), N'Zogbia (7), Grealish (8), Benteke (8)

Subs: Cole (5), Hutton (5), Sanchez (5)

Everton: Howard (5), Baines (6), Jagielka (5), Stones (5), Coleman (4), Barry (5), McCarthy (4), Mirallas (5), Naismith (5), Lennon (5), Lukaku (6)

Subs: Barkley (5), Osman (5)

Man of the match: Christian Benteke

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