Jamie Redknapp says Aston Villa have ‘blown an incredible opportunity’ to put ‘real pressure’ on Arsenal after falling to a disappointing 1-0 defeat at home to Everton.

Thierno Barry kept his cool to beat Emiliano Martinez just before the hour-mark and the Frenchman’s exquisite dinked finish proved the difference, with hosts Villa offering up next to nothing in response.

Villa’s woes were compounded by a worrying-looking injury to John McGinn, who was forced off with a suspected knee problem just 18 minutes into Sunday’s gritty Premier League contest.

Unai Emery cut a frustrated figure on the touchline at Villa Park, with his side missing the chance to go second in the table following Manchester City’s shock 3-0 loss at Manchester United a day earlier.

It means leaders Arsenal finish the weekend with an imperious seven-point advantage over their two title rivals. Pep Guardiola’s City sit above third-placed Villa after 22 games, boasting a far superior goal difference than Emery’s men.

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