Everton’s troubling home form continued as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Benjamin Sesko’s second-half strike extended the Toffees’ winless run at their new stadium to six matches in the Premier League - seven in all competitions - as David Moyes’ side’s aspirations of European qualification sustained a blow.
Everton vs Man United match report
Both sides lacked any real quality in the first half, although United were probably the better side. The visitors went close to breaking the deadlock in the fourth minute when Matheus Cunha’s shot was blocked by team-mate Dallo. However, the loose ball dropped for Dallo, whose shot was partially saved by Toffees goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and James Tarkowski hacked clear on the goalline.
Pickford was called into action five minutes later when he pushed away a cross-cum-shot from Diogo Dalot.
The Toffees were much improved in the second half and spurned a big chance to break the deadlock within 30 seconds of the restart, with Harrison Armstrong’s shot well kept out by Lammens. Five minutes later, United threatened when Tarkowski could only partially clear a cross but Bryan Mbeumo blasted over the crossbar from close range.
The game started to open up and the breakthrough was coming - which went in the visitors’ favour. In one fell swoop, Matheus Cunha’s long pass perfectly picked out the run of Mbeumo and he teed-up substitute Sesko to finish with aplomb.
Everton did try to rally, with Michael Keane having a long-range effort tipped over the crossbar by Lammens. And although the Blues had several corners, they failed to make them count and Pickford had to make a late stop from Sesko when United mustered another counter.
Everton displayed signs of spirit and defensive resolve but ultimately lacked a cutting edge - and the home faithful have yet to see a victory since a 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest on 6 December.
Everton player ratings vs Man United.
Did enough to keep out Amad's effort and pushed away Dalot's cross-shot in the first half. No chance with Sesko's finish but did well to make a save at the death.
1. Jordan Pickford - 7
Did enough to keep out Amad's effort and pushed away Dalot's cross-shot in the first half. No chance with Sesko's finish but did well to make a save at the death. | Getty Images
Struck his free-kick sweetly but was well saved. Made a couple of decent tackles in the first half but was wasted at right-back. More involved after the break.
2. James Garner - 6
Struck his free-kick sweetly but was well saved. Made a couple of decent tackles in the first half but was wasted at right-back. More involved after the break. | Getty Images
Managed to make the clearance to deny United an opener and got in the way of plenty in the first half. Got away with his partial clearance in the second half but otherwise sound.
3. James Tarkowski - 7
Managed to make the clearance to deny United an opener and got in the way of plenty in the first half. Got away with his partial clearance in the second half but otherwise sound. | Getty Images
Did what was required in the first half and played one raking pass out to Iliman Ndiaye. Solid in the second period and forced a save out of Lammens.
4. Michael Keane - 7
Did what was required in the first half and played one raking pass out to Iliman Ndiaye. Solid in the second period and forced a save out of Lammens. | Getty Images