Manchester United came back from two goals down to snatch a point against Everton at Goodison Park.
The hosts started the game dominantly, with goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucouré giving them a thoroughly deserved 2-0 lead at half time.
Everything changed in the second half, though. Bruno Fernandes’ excellent free kick halved the deficit before Manuel Ugarte’s volley levelled proceedings.
But there was controversy yet to come, as Everton thought they’d got a penalty in stoppage time when Ashley Young went down under the challenge of Matthijs de Ligt, only for referee Andy Madley and VAR to wave away their claims and condemn the two sides to a point apiece.
As it happened
The action in Merseyside started with energy and tenacity from The Toffees, as the first chance came as a result of the high press. United were forced into a mistake and Everton moved the ball wide before a delivery into the area was met by Beto, who hit his shot straight at Andre Onana. This was the start of a dominant first half display from David Moyes’ side.
Patrick Dorgu, the only shining light for the visitors in the first half, advanced into the area and sent a low-driven cross into the area, which Jordan Pickford had to deal with. This was the most threatening the visitors were in the first 45 minutes in a limp performance at Goodison Park.
In the 19th minute, Everton were rewarded for their start with the aid of some poor defending from United. Jack Harrison caused chaos in the area from a corner as pin-ball ensued. Eventually, in-form Beto volleyed into the turf and past Onana after Doucouré headed back into the area. That was his fifth Premier League goal in his last four appearances. A lengthy VAR check took place for multiple offsides; however none saved Ruben Amorim and his side from going behind.
Embed from Getty ImagesMoyes has had a quite remarkable impact on the squad since his arrival and the day got better as Doucouré turned finisher to double the lead in the 33rd minute. Beto found acres of space to run into the channel and was expertly picked out. Harrison found himself as the advancing forward and his striker found him inside the area. He darted past Matthijs De Ligt and compelled Onana into a save which was parried high into the air. Doucouré came steaming in and rose highest to head home.
This impressive Everton side were causing United so many issues, and more opportunities fell to The Toffees. A super flick from Jesper Lindstrøm sent Joe Garner away into space. Beto was picked out, however his touch was a bit too heavy away from goal, he laid off for the Dane who took aim but missed the target.
In added time, two nearly became three. Super play once more from the home side allowed goalscorer Doucouré to propel himself into the box and deliver a teasing ball towards Beto. Noussair Mazraoui had to make a pivotal clearance to deny the forward from tapping home.
Heading into the interval, Moyes could not have been happier; Amorim could not have been any more disappointed.
The second period saw some improvement from The Red Devils, albeit Everton still contributed with tenacity and intensity which was a constant threat to the visitors.
Doucouré nearly wrapped up an impressive performance as he met a Jake O’Brien delivery on the half-volley. Onana had to make a sharp save to keep his side in the game. Everton would go on to rue that missed chance.
Out of nothing, Fernandes gave his side hope in the 72nd minute from a sumptuous free-kick, which left Pickford stranded. He had already made his move as the United captain sent the ball to the other side of the goal. From a disastrous performance from Amorim’s side, they found new life from that goal and their outing would soon get even better.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhilst not direct, a set-piece was the cause of United’s equaliser as Beto headed only as far as the edge of the area. Ugarte was able to bring the ball down and, on the stretch, the Uruguayan cut across the bouncing ball and lasered it past a full-stretch Pickford. It was incredible drama in the lunchtime kick-off on Merseyside. Now it was all to play for.
Both sides had chances to grab a winner. Young – on for the injured Lindstrøm – bent in a quality cross that Beto rose highest for and headed into Onana’s gracious arms. In a flash, down the other end Fernandes thumped one from distance that Pickford had to tip over the bar. The drama was not over as the game entered stoppage time.
Idrissa Gana Gueye tested Onana in the 93rd minute and the Cameroon international palmed away. Young made the movement to the loose ball and a mixture of De Ligt and Harry Maguire impeded Young, who tumbled to the ground. Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot. However, on review the penalty was – controversially – overturned after a recommendation from VAR to check the monitor to the dismay of a furious Goodison Park.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe result means that Everton momentarily rise in the table to 12th on 31 points, whilst Manchester United remain 15th on 30 points.
Meanwhile, The Toffees will take a trip to London to face Thomas Frank’s Brentford, while Amorim’s side gears up to take on Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
The lineups
EVE: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner, Doucouré; Lindstrøm, Beto, Harrison
MUN: Onana; Dalot, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Dorgu; Casemiro, Ugarte, Fernandes; Højlund, Zirkzee