Moyes beat Fulham in his first game as Everton manager in 2002, but never looked like repeating the trick here. Villa, relative equals during his previous spell at Goodison, are now light years ahead.

Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live about the Toffees' survival chances and David Moyes' return as manager: "I think this Everton squad is slightly better than last season and I just look at the teams below, even though they have picked up points, I still do think there are three teams worse than Everton.

Heir to the throne, William, who has followed the West Midlands outfit since childhood, visited a Wetherspoon pub at Birmingham New Street Station, to sip on a pint of Bulmers cider after asking the club to arrange a gathering for him with some of their die-hard fans.