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Amadou Onana had an Everton debut to remember for good and bad reasons as Aston Villa beat the Toffees 2-1 on Saturday.

After Danny Ings put the hosts ahead in the first-half, Everton's new £33million signing from Lille came on with nine minutes remaining and changed the game in favour of both teams.

Onana was at the centre of a dramatic conclusion to the game
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Onana was at the centre of a dramatic conclusion to the gameCredit: Getty

Onana conceded possession for Emi Buendia to score in the 86th minute, seemingly putting the match to bed.

However, the Belgian midfielder immediately atoned for his error and some excellent work in the box caused an own-goal for none other than ex-Everton defender Lucas Digne.

And Onana, despite being on the pitch for nine minutes, almost equalised in the dying moments, but was denied by a stunning Calum Chambers tackle.

Speaking on commentary for talkSPORT, ex-England winger Trevor Sinclair said: “I’ve been impressed with Onana.

"He came off the bench, made the mistake for Villa’s goal, but then showed really good character to get back up, run down the other end and create a goal for Everton. He looks a very good signing.”

Sinclair added: “Onana is going to be a problem in the Premier League, he’s made a really big impact.

Gerrard edged out Lampard in their latest battle
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Gerrard edged out Lampard in their latest battleCredit: Getty

“I was really impressed with his reaction, he got on the ball, drove down the left, twisted the defender, put the ball across the box and got a goal.

“That tells me he’s got an unbelievable character. He’s going to be a problem.”

Onana's cameo meant Villa boss Steven Gerrard was made to sweat for the closing moments as Everton squandered a number of great chances, but ultimately got one over on his famous adversary Frank Lampard.

Everton are now without a point from their opening two games amid questions over their firepower up front, while Villa bounce back from their opening day defeat at Bournemouth.

Watkins was the difference for Villa
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Watkins was the difference for VillaCredit: Getty

Ollie Watkins did not start at the Vitality Stadium but delivered both assists at Villa Park, while Tyrone Mings also proved a point on his return to the side after losing the captaincy.

Sinclair said: “I think ironically it’s both Watkins and Mings I’m mentioning for man of the match.

"If it wasn’t for that late Everton goal, Mings would have been a huge part of why Villa could have kept a clean sheet.

“Both players who Gerrard dropped last week have shown a fantastic attitude, they were out to prove why they deserve a place in the team, and they both delivered.

“Watkins is the start of the show in this Aston Villa team, for me, he’s just got to work on finessing his deftness with his finishes, then he’d have everything.”

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