Everton Players Could Not Believe What the Fans Were Chanting After Defeating Aston Villa at Villa Park
In a stunning upset on January 18, 2026, Everton secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over title-chasing Aston Villa at Villa Park, dealing a significant blow to the hosts’ Premier League aspirations. The Toffees, plagued by injuries and suspensions, arrived as underdogs but left with three crucial points, courtesy of Thierno Barry’s second-half strike. The win ended Villa’s impressive 11-game home winning streak and kept Arsenal’s lead at the top intact at seven points.
The match was not without controversy. Everton thought they had taken the lead earlier when Jake O’Brien’s header was controversially ruled out for an offside involving Harrison Armstrong. VAR’s decision sparked fury among the traveling Everton supporters, who felt robbed yet again by officiating decisions. Manager David Moyes, in his post-match press conference, quipped that he feared Barry’s goal might also be disallowed, highlighting the team’s recent run of bad luck with referees.
As the final whistle blew, the 5,000 Everton fans erupted in celebration. But amid the jubilation, a chant echoed through the away end that left the players stunned: “You lost the league at Villa Park!” Directed at the deflated Villa faithful, it was a cheeky twist on the famous taunt Everton fans had used against Liverpool in previous derbies. The chant mocked Villa’s faltering title bid, emphasizing how Everton’s win had derailed their momentum on their own turf.
Players like Jordan Pickford and Vitaliy Mykolenko were seen exchanging incredulous glances as they applauded the supporters. “We couldn’t believe it,” Pickford later admitted. “We’ve just pulled off a massive win, and the fans are already twisting the knife in Villa’s title dreams. It’s brilliant, but savage!” Captain Seamus Coleman added, “The lads were laughing on the pitch. After all the stick we’ve taken this season, hearing that chant was unreal. It shows the passion and wit of our supporters.”
This victory lifts Everton away from the relegation zone, injecting hope into a turbulent campaign. For Villa, manager Unai Emery conceded the defeat could “make a big difference” to their season goals. But for Everton, the day will be remembered not just for the result, but for the audacious chant that had everyone talking. As Moyes reflected, “Our fans never cease to amaze us.”