Everton manager namechecks Super Eagles star as he reflects on missed chances vs Villa

Everton's unbeaten start to the new Premier League season ended on Saturday evening following a 3-0 defeat suffered at the hands of Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Toffees boss Rafa Benitez made three changes for the visit to Villa, one of which saw Nigeria national teamer Alex Iwobi make his second Premier League start of the season.

The Spaniard was forced to tinker with his formation as the trio of Richarlison, Jordan Pickford and Seamus Coleman were unavailable for selection through injury.

Benitez believes a lack of cutting edge was to blame for the loss to Aston Villa, with Iwobi, Salomon and Demarai Gray fluffing their chances to get on the scoresheet.

In the 59th minute, the Super Eagle saw his shot from close range saved by Martinez after playing a one-two with Gray.

Speaking post-match, Benitez was quoted as saying by Everton's official website : "In the second half we had a couple of chances, that could have meant everything was totally different.

"Then we conceded the goal and very soon conceded a second and it was difficult for us.

"Salomon, Demarai Gray and Alex Iwobi [had chances], so we had two or three situations where it could have been different."

Arsenal academy product Iwobi has not scored in his last 20 matches in the Premier League, with his last goal coming against Wolverhampton Wanderers on January 12, 2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : evertonfc.com