Premier League: Everton pay the penalty
Manchester United 2 - 0 Everton
Manchester United halted their two-game losing streak by securing victory over Everton at Old Trafford through first-half penalties converted by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
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In a peculiar match, Everton became the fifth team in six Premier League games to muster at least 20 shots against Erik ten Hag's side, yet their wastefulness and defensive lapses cost them dearly.
Both James Tarkowski and Ben Godfrey received yellow cards for reckless challenges on Alejandro Garnacho.
Fernandes calmly dispatched the first penalty, directing a precise low shot to Jordan Pickford's left corner. Despite the skipper passing on the second penalty to Rashford, the latter confidently sent Pickford the wrong way for his seventh goal of the season.
Following defeats against Fulham and Manchester City, the win brought United within three points of fifth-placed Tottenham, although Ange Postecoglou's team has two games in hand.
With the midweek European results in mind, securing a fifth place for Champions League qualification appears less certain than before. After the weekend's results, United are now 8 points behind Aston Villa.
Everton's woes continued as they managed only five points from 11 games. With the upcoming Merseyside derby postponed due to Liverpool's FA Cup commitments, Sean Dyche's side faces the possibility of slipping into the relegation zone during the international break.
Regardless of Manchester United's overall performance this season, it's noteworthy for the emergence of Garnacho, who, at just 19, is becoming United's most threatening offensive player.
While he occasionally falters in decision-making, Garnacho's speed and skill trouble defenders, as evidenced by drawing rash challenges from Tarkowski and Godfrey in the first half.
HT. Blues behind to two penalties despite a largely decent first-half performance.
— Everton (@Everton) March 9, 2024
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United squandered further opportunities in the second half, with Garnacho among the offenders, failing to convert after breaking clear into the penalty area.
Everton's troubles extend beyond the pitch, with looming consequences for financial breaches and a deteriorating on-field performance that casts doubt on their ability to avoid relegation.
Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024
Despite having better chances in the first half, Everton's lack of composure in front of goal, exemplified by missed opportunities from McNeil, Harrison, and Onana, contributed to their downfall.
Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin's missed header summed up Everton's frustrating day, highlighting their dire situation both on and off the field.
The best reaction
Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket Holder, told us: "If I were to talk about the quality in the match, it would be more in favour of Everton. They dominated much of the game, particularly in the first half. United's performance was consistently subpar. In the midst of the penalty kicks Bruno managed to force a good save from Pickford. The second half just dragged on until the referee ended the game. It was a victory, but once again, watching Ten Hag's Man Utd was rather dull and uninspiring."
Josh, another United fan, added: "I thought Rashford was superb. He was a threat against The Toffees and scored a great penalty from the spot. Ganrnacho was also incredible and he is starting to look like a top-class attacking player."
Sarah, an Everton fan, is starting to get concerned about her side's chances of staying up. She told us: "We made a lively start, aiming to pressure their hosts into an early mistake and possibly score an early goal. Everton effectively disrupted United's defensive line, forcing several errors, but they couldn't capitalise on them. The closest they came to creating a chance was when Amadou Onana attempted to control Dwight McNeil's cross in front of the goal but couldn't quite manage it. I am now really concerned about our fight to stay in the Premier League. We badly need to start picking up some points."
