Steven Gerrard stares down Everton fans as Villa win at Goodison Park

Gerrard certainly had the last laugh

Steven Gerrard stared down Everton fans as Aston Villa secured an important victory against the Toffees in a fiery encounter at Goodison Park. Villa headed into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Emi Buendia's spectacular header - with the Argentine glancing Lucas Digne's corner past Jordan Pickford. As Gerrard and his players went back to their dressing room, the Villa manager was subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse by the Everton supporters behind the goal. Just like he did at Old Trafford earlier this month, the former Liverpool captain embraced the abuse and stared down the fans seated in the Park End Stand. https://twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1484882098930561026 Earlier in the match, Lucas Digne was hit by a bottle thrown by an Everton supporter as Villa celebrated Emi Buendía opening goal. Digne - who left the Toffees to sign for Steven Gerrard's side on January 13 - was struck by an object as he dropped to the ground, with Matty Cash also appearing to be caught by the bottle as he also fell to the floor clutching his head. Despite a much-improved Everton in the second period, Villa were able to hold onto their lead and move into the top half of the Premier League table. The victory was particularly special one for Gerrard, who shares a bitter rivalry with Everton given his ties with city rivals Liverpool. In contrast, the defeat leaves Everton down in 16th after slumping to their third straight league defeat.

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• Steven Gerrard trolls Man Utd fans after Aston Villa FA Cup defeat
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• Steven Gerrard booed by Man Utd fans on first return to Old Trafford