Everton and Aston Villa played out a scrappy, ill-tempered Premier League stalemate at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Beto missed a big chance in each half to give Everton the lead, the worst coming in the opening moments when he miskicked in front of an open goal after being set up by Iliman Ndiaye.
Emiliano Martinez, back in goal for Villa after failing to secure a move before the transfer deadline, was in fine form, especially when he reacted superbly to divert Michael Keane's header over the top from a pinpoint Jack Grealish cross.
Grealish, newly crowned Premier League player of the month, tried to find the spark but was unable to force the breakthrough.
Villa, who have yet to score a league goal this season, were subdued and their best moment was when a shot from Emiliano Buendia was deflected narrowly wide.
