Baros gives Villa a helping hand as Everton slide continues

Aston Villa 4 Everton 0

Former Liverpool striker Baros had been constantly booed by the visiting fans because of his past Anfield connections. But they felt a sense of injustice when the Czech Republic international used his hand to control a cross from Gareth Barry before tucking away the opening goal after 36 minutes. Baros could find himself in hot water with the Football Association after racing off behind the goal to cup his hand to his ear in the direction of the Everton fans situated in the lower tier of the North Stand. But that will not worry him or Villa in the short term as they moved further away from the relegation zone.

Villa went ahead in controversial fashion after 36 minutes through Baros when the striker and central-back Liam Ridgewell both appeared to handle the ball. Ridgewell initially looked to use his arm to bring the ball under control on the edge of the Everton box before it bounced off his chest into the path of Barry. He pumped a hopeful lob into the box and Baros used his hand to bring the ball under control and take it way from Everton defender Per Kroldrup before poking his shot past Martyn for his third league goal of the season. The Everton players reacted furiously but referee Mike Riley had no hesitation in pointing to the centre circle.