Villa hold out to remain top.

EARL Barrett kept Aston Villa in the driving seat with sparkling performance.

Barrett reminded watching England boss Graham Taylor of his international claims by creating the first goal for Neil Cox and then scoring himself.

Everton were unable to match Barrett's midfield artistry and power as Villa quickly settled to secure a two-goal lead in 17 minutes.

Cox shot home his first League goal off a post following Barrett's clever 12th minute pass. Five minutes later Barrett celebrated a year at Villa Park since his £2.7m move from Oldham by volleying his first goal for the club,

Villa boss Ron Atkinson kept his tongue firmly in his cheek afterwards:

"I'm really glad Manchester United won because it makes everything so exciting. It really upset me when I heard United were losing but it is all set up for a thriller now.”

But then Atkinson adopted a more serious mood when he added:

"Someone in front of me said it was all over when we went 2-0 in front but when Deano hit a post, things slightly started to go against us. I told our secretary Steve Stride I was getting a bit worried.

“I’m delighted for Earl. No-one de- serves a goal more than him. Cox was very effective to come forward from right-back too."