Everton's Thierno Barry delivered a stunning blow to Aston Villa's Premier League title hopes in a dramatic match. The result leaves Villa's championship ambitions hanging by a thread.
Villa's Title Challenge Takes a Hit
Aston Villa now sit in third place in the Premier League table. They have collected 43 points from 22 games this season. This puts them a full seven points behind the current leaders, Arsenal.
Arsenal's lead in the title race now looks substantial. Villa's defeat makes catching the Gunners a much tougher task. Every dropped point at this stage of the season is costly for any team with championship aspirations.
Everton's Rise Up the Table
For Everton, this victory marks a significant climb. The Toffees have moved up to 10th place in the standings. They now have 32 points to their name.
Thierno Barry was the hero for the Merseyside club. His performance was pivotal in securing the three points. This win provides a major boost to Everton's campaign as they look to solidify their position in the top half of the table.
The Wider Premier League Picture
The result reshapes the battle at the top of the league. Arsenal will feel more confident with their expanded lead. Meanwhile, Villa must regroup quickly to keep their fading title dreams alive.
For Everton, the focus shifts to building momentum. Climbing into the top ten is a positive step. The team will aim to use this victory as a springboard for the remainder of the season.
This report is based on information from Reuters, last updated on January 18, 2026.
