The clincial Belgian fired in twice before the break, with his countryman Romelu Lukaku pulling one back for Everton from the penalty spot on the hour mark.

On-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley then struck for the second week running to put Villa 3-1 up, which rendered Phil Jagielka's stoppage-time header a consolation effort.

Here, Sports Mole looks back over the contest to determine if the result was a fair one, or whether the away side can consider themselves to be unfortunate.

Match statistics

VILLA
Shots: 11
On target: 4
Possession: 50%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 13

EVERTON
Shots: 9
On target: 5
Possession: 50%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 12

Was the result fair?

A 3-2 scoreline often points to a close encounter and, while Villa were by no means the dominant force, they did more than enough to win this game, perhaps by a slightly bigger margin. Both of Everton's goals came against the run of play, so it would have been unjust had they claimed a draw.

Villa's performance

When sides need to win - just as Villa did today - there is sometimes a chance that nerves will get the better of the players. However, that was not the case as far as Villa were concerned.

From the first whistle, there was an intensity about their play which Everton struggled to deal with. Benteke spearheaded the attack brilliantly, which allowed the attack-minded midfielders to get involved in support.

Under Sherwood, Villa look a much fitter side, which allows them to play the style that he demands. When possession was lost, they hunted in packs to win it back. The manor in which both goals were concerned will have been disappointing for the manager, but the win is essentially all that matters.

Everton's performance

The Everton players should have turned up at Villa Park with sombreros and flowery shorts! With very little to play for, it seemed - particularly during the first half - that they were day dreaming about sunning themselves somewhere exotic this summer.

We are used to seeing Roberto Martinez's team produce slick passing football and, when they do not have possession, they work hard to win it back, just as they did against Manchester United to great effect at Goodison Park last weekend.

This was a polar-opposite performance today. It was not until they were 2-0 down, with the damage already done, that the Toffees posed any threat. What is more, their defending from set-piece situations was laughable and something that must be addressed.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Fabian Delph: Benteke may grab the headlines with his two goals, but it was Delph that ran the show from midfield. The England international is starting to have a big say on games and today was no different. His stunning cross set up his side's first goal and from that moment on he did not look back.

Biggest gaffe

The entire Everton side can share this award for the way that they defended Benteke's second goal of the afternoon. There was no challenge on Ron Vlaar as he flicked on Jack Grealish's corner at the near post for the Belgian striker, who had all the time in the world to stroke the ball in from close range.

Referee performance

Mark Clattenburg is not everyone's cup of tea, but his performance today cannot be faulted. He kept his cards in his pocket for much of the contest and also got the decision to award Everton a penalty spot on.

What next?

Villa: Sherwood's men remain at Villa Park next weekend when West Ham United make the trip to Birmingham, where a win would all but secure their Premier League status.

Everton: The Toffees return to the familiar surroundings of Goodison Park next Saturday lunchtime when they play host to struggling Sunderland.