Premier League announcement ahead of Everton match surely a positive for Aston Villa
Aston Villa travel to Everton this weekend in the Premier League.
Quite remarkably, Unai Emery’s side are the only team in England’s top four leagues yet to find the net despite a prolific 2024/25 campaign.
Off the back of Aston Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, and a wretched end to the summer transfer window, Villa certainly need a win to alleviate some of the concerns that have lingered throughout the international break.
Now, the Premier League have made a new announcement for the clash, which will raise hopes of Aston Villa getting their first win.
Simon Hooper set to take charge of Everton vs Aston Villa
For the first time since Aston Villa’s 2-1 home victory against Nottingham Forest on 5 April, Simon Hooper will officiate the Villans’ encounter this weekend.
Hooper is one of the most experienced referees in the Premier League, and has been favourable to Emery’s side in the past, where most perhaps haven’t.
Aston Villa had the most refereeing decisions go against them in the Premier League last season, with six decisions in all.
Key errors that went against Aston Villa last season:
- 25 March, 2025: Man United 2-0 Aston Villa – Morgan Rogers’ goal incorrectly ruled out for a foul
- 12 November, 2024: Aston Villa 0-2 Liverpool – Pau Torres not awarded a penalty for a foul
The conclusion was made by the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel, with Hooper rated the best referee from last season.
Rivals in Villa’s chase for European football – Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace – had zero errors go in their favour.
If last season is anything to go by, Hooper won’t make any mistakes in the game against Everton, which will avoid any controversy should Aston Villa get their first win of the season.
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How have Aston Villa fared with Simon Hooper in charge?
Dating back to 2008, Hooper has officiated 18 Aston Villa games, with the Villans victorious on ten of those occasions – an encouraging return.
Emery is unbeaten in his previous three games with Hooper in charge, with two wins and a draw, including the eventful 3-3 result against Liverpool in May 2024.
Hooper was at fault when he denied the Villans a win after disallowing Phillipe Coutinho’s goal against Manchester City in September 2022 after he blew his whistle early.
The official apologised to ex-Villa boss Steven Gerrard after the game, and supporters will be hoping there are no mistakes against Everton.
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