Everton went down to 10 men in the 13th minute at Old Trafford but still earned a famous victory
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal(Image: Getty Images)
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Everton won at Manchester United for only the second time since their opening Premier League away fixture over 33 years ago despite being down to 10 men for 77 minutes of the contest.
With David Moyes’ men having already lost captain Seamus Coleman to injury, there were extraordinary scenes just 13 minutes into the contest as Idrissa Gueye was sent off for an altercation with Michael Keane which resulted in him slapping his own team-mate in the face.
However, despite the self-inflicted wound, the Blues dug deep and stunned Old Trafford just before the half-hour mark as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall drove forward and dispatched an emphatic shot into Senne Lammens’ net and from that point onwards they defended heroically to protect their lead.
Jordan Pickford 9
Saved well in the second half to keep out two Joshua Zirkzee headers and a low effort from Bryan Mbeumo, having been spectacularly called into action in first half stoppage time to deny Bruno Fernandes from distance after what had been a curious first 45 minutes for the England number one with national team boss Thomas Tuchel watching on from the Old Trafford stands as up until that point his most taxing assignment to date has been dragging Everton team-mates Michael Keane and Idrissa Gueye away from each other.
Seamus Coleman n/a
Making his first Premier League start since Everton’s final game at Goodison Park against Southampton, the club captain unfortunately had an even shorter outing this time around before again succumbing to injury.
Vitalii Mykolenko 7
Had his hands full against United dangerman Bryan Mbeumo, but hung on in there on in there, making some timely blocks and kept battling in the face of waves of pressure, making a stoppage time clearance on his weaker right foot.
James Tarkowski 8
Fearless display after the break, blocking well to deny Casemiro and Mason Mount, he gave Joshua Zirkzee a shove off the ball in an early tussle but that was quickly overshadowed by his Everton team-mates’ spat as he saved his own aggression for the opposition.
Michael Keane 8
Kept his head when lesser men would have been rattled and continued to defend resolutely after the red card debacle. He has been Everton’s most consistent performer so far this season, and who knows at this stage what went on, but after one hesitant moment – that the team got away with – it seems harsh for this model pro to find himself on the receiving end of a slap from a team-mate.
Idrissa Gueye 1
He’s been a great servant for Everton across two spells and has been in decent form again this season, and you can also argue whether it was a soft decision, but it doesn’t get any lower than being sent off for striking your own team-mate as he was bizarrely given his marching orders for slapping Michael Keane in the face after a defensive mix-up.
James Garner 8
Returning to his previous club where he learned his trade in football, he was committed and had to boss the engine room after Gueye’s sending off, while displaying silk as well as steel when feeding Dewsbury-Hall for his goal.
Iliman Ndiaye 7
Unlike his previous trip to Manchester this season, Everton’s top scorer had to dig in rather than sparkle and while there were some determined runs and link-up play, his final ball wasn’t of the stellar standards we expect.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 10
Terrific dribble and finish to beat Senne Lammens and fire 10-man Everton in front, he loved his moment, celebrating in front of the away fans and has looked lively throughout, even though he had to go deep after the break.
Jack Grealish 8
Became increasingly important for Everton as an outlet to win free-kicks and relieve the pressure as they clung on to their lead and even though he wasn’t unlocking defences like he’s been for most of the season, when he was involved his touches were clever, like starting the move for Dewsbury-Hall’s goal.
Thierno Barry 7
Determined display from the start, pressing hard and encouraging his team-mates to join in, but his most promising dribble into the area saw him lose his footing and after the break he was mostly having to put in a defensive shift like his team-mates.
Substitutes
Jake O’Brien (on 10 for Coleman) 7
Did well to keep Dorgu quiet after his early introduction because of Coleman’s injury, slotting back in at right-back, including making a couple of dominant headers in the latter stages when it was backs to the wall stuff.
Tim Iroegbunam (on 81 for Barry)
Brought on to provide some late energy, he quickly made his mark with a block to close down Diogo Dalot’s attempted cross.
Beto (on 81 for Ndiaye)
Fresh legs up front for finale, Moyes went nuts when he lost possession with his side clinging on.
Dwight McNeil (on 87 for McNeil)
Late cameo to shore up the win.
Charly Alcaraz (on 87 for Dewsbury-Hall)
Ditto.