Everton picked up a massive three points at Goodison Park as they edged out Manchester United 1-0 in a low quality affair on Saturday lunchtime.
The game, which offered few chances, was fittingly decided by a scruffy deflected strike, as Anthony Gordon’s shot was turned in courtesy of Harry Maguire, whose personal fall from grace in a Red shirt continues.
Anthony Gordon with a vital goal for Everton 💪
A big deflection, but the Goodison Park crowd won’t care one bit, listen to that roar! pic.twitter.com/AkPtyTBF5Q
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 9, 2022
The result moves Everton four points clear of Burnley below them, and the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Manchester United drop more points in a season that is struggling even to provide damage limitation for the Red Devils.
They now sit below West Ham and in 7th place, needing a miracle for them to be playing Champions League football next season.
So, how did the sides stack up?
📰 Table Of Contents
Manchester United
Could do nothing about the goal, and made a couple of saves to keep the score at 1-0.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 4
Again showed his shortcomings at Premier League level, nullifying any attacking threat down the right hand side. Manchester United need an upgrade, and soon.
Harry Maguire – 3
Maguire cannot catch a break in a Manchester United shirt, and looked sloppy before Anthony Gordon’s shot took a deflection off the Manchester United captain. His England and Red Devils form are worlds apart.
Victor Lindelof – 4
The nerves coming off Maguire seem to be infectious, and Lindelof seemed shaky at the back as Gordon and Gray ran behind the defence.
Alex Telles – 6
Offered some good crosses in the first half but even as United battled in the second half, he could not influence the game.
Fred – 5
Did nothing of note and was forced off through injury after half an hour.
Nemanja Matic – 5
Was dominated by Delph and Allan in midfield for large stretches of the encounter, and lacked McTominay’s energy but offered more ball security than the Scott.
Jadon Sancho – 4
Moved from left to right but was anonymous for long stretches of the game. Offered no support by his right back, but given his price tag fans will be expecting more.
Bruno Fernandes – 5
Played one glorious pass to create a chance that Rashford squandered, but could not affect the game in the way he did last season, a worrying theme going into the back end of the season.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Was bright in the early stages, and saw two efforts well saved by Pickford. Was unfortunate to be taken off on the hour mark.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 2
Anonymous from start to finish. He must be wondering how fast he can leave.
Subs:
Paul Pogba – 3
Constantly gave the ball away when he came on, and picked up a clumsy yellow card. His head already seems to be elsewhere.
Anthony Elanga – 5
Was one of few prepared to run behind the Everton defence, but was rarely found and struggled to get around Seamus Coleman.
Juan Mata – 4
Most people will have forgotten he was a Manchester United player, and his performance did nothing to suggest that he will be getting another appearance any time soon.
Everton
Jordan Pickford – 8
England’s no.1 showed his credentials, keeping the score 0-0 early in the piece before a crucial save from Cristiano Ronaldo late in the piece. Was commanding in the air and offered strong communication with his defence.
Seamus Coleman – 7
Kept the right-hand side very quiet despite his advancing age. Used his experience well.
Michael Keane -5
Provided a couple of heart in mouth moments at the back, but was generally solid as he kept Ronaldo at bay.
Ben Godfrey – 6
Strong in the air and threw himself in front of anything towards goal. A strong performance from the Englishman.
Vitaly Mykolenko – 6
Calm and composed at the back, he was happy to get his hands dirty and offered a threat going the other way too.
Allan – 7
The Brazilian, along with Delph, controlled the midfield and stayed compact as Manchester United were forced sideways.
Fabian Delph – 7
Everton fans will be hoping his late withdrawal from the game wasn’t injury-related, as Delph showed he could still cut it at the top level against Manchester United.
Calm and tidy in possession, could be a huge boost in their battle against relegation.
Alex Iwobi – 6
Offered little in attack in a low-quality affair, but worked hard for Frank Lampard.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Scored what proved the decisive goal and his runs in behind caused trouble to the Red Devils’ defence. Certainly one for the future.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 5
Anonymous for much of the encounter, but did at least offer his side a focal point to play off.
Richarlison – 6
Enjoyed the game, providing moments of samba skill that showed his quality is well above the relegation scrap he finds himself in.
Subs:
Demarai Gray – 5
Didn’t get the ball much but offered a threat in behind in the closing stages.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – N/A
Was not on the pitch long enough to make a real impact, but came on for Delph and played solidly.
