Goals from Danny Ings and Emiliano Buendia secured a 2-1 win for Aston Villa over Everton as Steven Gerrard got the better of Frank Lampard at Villa Park.
The game looked over when substitute Buendia added to Ings’ first half strike late on but Lucas Digne’s own goal made for a nervy finish in the afternoon sunshine with Amadou Onana coming close to bundling in a shock equaliser for Everton in stoppage time.
The two former England midfielders had both seen their teams lose on the opening weekend but, meeting each other as managers for the first time in the most played fixture in English football history, it was Gerrard who got the big decisions right on the day.
The recalled Ollie Watkins did brilliantly to set up both Aston Villa goals, while former captain Tyrone Mings produced a strong performance at the back to nullify Everton’s threat.
In contrast, Everton looked a little disorganised despite the arrival of Conor Coady and remain pointless this season.