Flat start for Moyes as toothless Everton beaten 1-0 by Villa

LIVERPOOL, England : The second coming of David Moyes failed to inspire Everton on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 at home to Aston Villa and, though they might not need a miracle to avoid Premier League relegation, the returning manager will at least have to find a way for them to score.

Villa had lost their last five away games in the league but were by far the better team at Goodison Park, creating several good chances before Ollie Watkins slotted in what proved the decisive goal after 51 minutes following a neat pass from Morgan Rogers.

Moyes, back at the club he left in 2013 after the sacking of Sean Dyche last week, got a close-up view of the massive challenge he faces as Everton struggled for accuracy and ideas all night to make it one win in 12 league games, during which time they have failed to score in nine of them.

That drought never looked like lifting on Wednesday and they remain two places and one point above the relegation zone, while Villa move up to seventh, level on points with Manchester City.