Everton’s Europa League qualification hopes were dealt a blow by a limp 0-0 draw at Aston Villa in the Premier League on Thursday.
Everton still climbed to eighth but is two points behind fifth-placed West Ham. Ben Godfrey and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were denied by Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, while Tyrone Mings wasted a rare opening for the hosts.
Villa captain Jack Grealish ended his three-month injury layoff as a second-half substitute. Villa remains 11th with three games to go.
Aston Villa's Jack Grealish, right, and Everton's Mason Holgate challenge for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Thursday, May 13, 2021. (AP PhotoCarl Recine, Pool)
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