Key Events and Early Drama
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye received a red card just 13 minutes into the match for slapping his teammate Michael Keane following a heated exchange after defending a Manchester United attack. Jordan Pickford intervened to separate them, but referee Tony Harrington issued the dismissal, echoing past incidents like the Newcastle clash between Lee Bowyer and Kieran Dyer. Everton’s troubles compounded when captain Seamus Coleman exited due to injury shortly after his first league start this season. Despite these setbacks and playing with a numerical disadvantage, Everton took the lead before halftime as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall advanced to the box’s edge and curled a precise shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Manchester United, who could have climbed to fifth with a win, dominated possession but failed to equalize, allowing Everton to claim only their second Premier League triumph at Old Trafford since 1992 and becoming the first visiting team to win there after an opponent red card.
Manchester United’s Performance Review
Marking the one-year milestone of Ruben Amorim’s tenure, this defeat halted United’s five-game unbeaten streak and drew boos from the crowd at full time. With the opportunity to enter Champions League positions against a depleted side, United lacked composure and security in their play. Joshua Zirkzee, stepping in for injured forwards Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, repeatedly squandered possession, joined by errors from Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro. Reliable attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes challenged Pickford, while substitute Mason Mount nearly scored with a curved attempt. However, it was only late when Zirkzee’s header from Luke Shaw’s delivery forced a notable save from Pickford. Matthijs de Ligt, who had netted a late equalizer recently at Tottenham, couldn’t generate enough force on United’s final chance to trouble the goalkeeper, underscoring the team’s inconsistency despite seasonal progress.
Everton’s Triumphant Display
For David Moyes, formerly of United, this marked his inaugural Premier League win at the stadium as an opposing manager amid extraordinary circumstances. The handling of the Gueye-Keane altercation will be intriguing for Moyes, known for his emphasis on conduct, especially given the team’s resilience after the early dismissal. Keane, despite his initial anger, remained focused and excelled alongside James Tarkowski in defense. The squad’s dedication shone through, particularly in ex-United player James Garner, who exhausted himself with relentless effort. Dewsbury-Hall’s decisive strike, though possibly questionable for Lammens, sealed the result. Everton’s supporters celebrated exuberantly, applauding the players and Moyes, who fully earned the acclaim for their spirited performance in a venue of historical difficulty. This match etched itself as a memorable occasion for all involved.
