Everton recorded just their second away win of the season after taking a huge three points against Manchester United – seeing David Moyes win his first-ever Premier League away game against the Red Devils.
Everton were left in the lurch after an early red card for Idrissa Gana Gueye, who had fought with teammate Michael Keane after a disagreement just 14 minutes in.
However, despite being a man down, a moment of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall brilliance put the Toffees 1-0 up against the odds at half-time, with Jordan Pickford rarely tested.
Gueye’s sending off will be the main talking point, but more than a handful of players impressed for Everton and it means David Moyes’ side have risen above rivals Liverpool in the Premier League table.
Everton star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall celebrates scoring vs Manchester United
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Everton player ratings vs Manchester United
Jordan Pickford – 9
Always going to be up against it, especially with 10 men. But he kept his goal superbly, albeit with little to do in the first half under the circumstances, and he broke up the handbags between Keane and Gueye to keep his side mentally composed.
Made a fine save from Bruno Fernandes as the game approached first-half stoppage time to keep Everton in front, as well as a smart parry from Bryan Mbeumo’s effort and, above all, an incredible stop to tip Joshua Zirkzee’s header wide late on.
A real inspired performance with Thomas Tuchel watching on.
Seamus Coleman – 5
Made his first start of the season for the Toffees but was subbed off inside 10 minutes with an injury.
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It’s not ideal for the veteran, who will likely depart at the end of the season.
It remains to be seen how long he will be injured for but it’s a cruel blow after Coleman’s strong performances for Ireland.
Michael Keane – 6
Actually played quite well overall, but that moment of madness with Gueye was hastened by his reaction, leading to the red card and putting his team under pressure.
He remained a big threat in the box both defensively and in an attacking sense, mopping up any United attacks.
Who was your MOTM vs Man United?
But that rush of blood will be replayed for years to come after he failed to move for Gueye’s pass.
James Tarkowski – 8
Tarkowski was superb defensively and was the real rock in the Toffees defence.
He had a war of words with Joshua Zirkzee earlier in the game, but that was soon nipped in the bud and he steadied Everton’s ranks to preserve the lead.
A real leader’s performance from the former Burnley star under severe pressure for the Toffees.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 8
Quietly had a superb game at left-back against Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
The Ukrainian is also out of contract at the end of the season, but Mykolenko didn’t let that show and in a bizarre first-half for his defensive teammates, he remained a calm head. It could pose positive connotations for his Hill Dickinson future.
James Garner – 7
Given a huge task as his midfield partner was sent off but he played well on his Old Trafford return.
Thomas Tuchel was in attendance, looking towards his England squad, and Garner has been touted in recent weeks.
He effectively played in a second right-back role after the dismissal but he conducted himself well and always offered an out ball for the Toffees attack, providing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with the ball for the opener.
Idrissa Gueye – 2
What on earth was he thinking?
Yes, he had every right to be angry at Michael Keane for not reacting to his pass when playing out of defence, but his reaction was way over the top.
What was Gueye thinking?
Whether or not the slap was enough to warrant a red card will remain up for debate for quite a while, but Gueye massively let his side down.
He’ll now miss their next three games in the Premier League at a time where Everton are short in central midfield and David Moyes will be absolutely livid.
Iliman Ndiaye – 8
An absolute joy to watch.
From the get go, he drove at the heart of United’s defence and caused them real problems, even after being a man down.
He’s been one of the best wingers in the Premier League this season and that showed at Old Trafford, constantly being a thorn in Patrick Dorgu’s side.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 9
Just when Everton needed someone to stand up and be counted after the moment of madness, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was that man.
Taking the ball in his stride, he rode two tackles before unleashing a strike into the top corner beyond Senne Lammens.
The former Chelsea man hasn’t quite earned the plaudits despite having a quality season as a result of other players at the club performing, but that strike was good enough to win any game.
He was also Everton’s driving force on the counter and despite being outnumbered, he won more than enough fouls to be commended.
Jack Grealish – 8
The England international is superb with his ball retention and that was vital for David Moyes’ men to buy breathing space.
It’s always tough for wingers when they find themselves with one less teammate but Grealish was ideal for that scenario with his experience and talent.
Thierno Barry – 6
Worked hard, put himself about, and there is an acceptance that he was going to get less service after the red card.
However, the Frenchman’s hold-up play could have been better. Beto is better in that regard, and you could see the vision from Moyes with Barry being quicker and playing on the shoulder of United’s back line.
The match circumstances didn’t do Barry many favours but he was a bit powerless against Matthijs de Ligt when the Toffees needed the ball to stick.
Substitutes
Jake O’Brien – 7
Wouldn’t have expected to come on so early, at least not in those circumstances.
He has been Everton’s main right-back this season, and so he did fit seamlessly into their back line.
The majority of United’s attacking moves came down the opposite flank, and O’Brien was left to deal with Mason Mount in the second half after a half-time substitution. And he did that well, keeping him at bay.
Tim Iroegbunam – 5
Came on for a tired Iliman Ndiaye to shore up the Everton midfield.
His height and defensive nous was likely just what the Toffees needed at that point in the tie.
Beto – 5
Replaced Thierno Barry for fresh legs to press United when they had possession.
Carlos Alcaraz – 5
Came on with a few minutes left to relieve Jack Grealish of his attacking duties and made United players run.
Dwight McNeil – 5
Introduced for his defensive acumen on the wings and worked tirelessly to secure all three points.
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