Ten-man Everton showed their mettle and resolve to deliver a much-deserved 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The early sending off of Idrissa Gana Gueye gave the Toffees a mountain to climb. But Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s fine strike before half-time was the least that David Moyes’ side merited and they were full value for all three points on what will go down as a memorable night among supporters.
Everton earned their first win at Old Trafford since 2012, while Moyes was triumphant at the stadium as an opposition manager for the first time in his career.
Man United vs Everton match report
Everton made a bright start to the game, with an Iliman Ndiaye cross causing danger in the United box before he flew a shot well off target.
But in the 13th minute, Blues fans must have feared the worst when they were bizarrely reduced to 10 men. After a confrontation, Gueye slapped team-mate Michael Keane and he was issued a red card for violent conduct.
Yet a numerical disadvantage did not impact Everton and they continued to be the better side. On 29 minutes, Moyes’ men got the rewards when they opened the deadlock through a magnificent Dewsbury-Hall strike from the edge of the box.
The Red Devils did have the better of the play for the remainder of the first half, although Everton remained fairly comfortable before a Bruno Fernandes shot was well saved by a strong hand from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Everton, unsurprisingly, were put under pressure in the second half. But they defended resolutely and limited United to a paucity of clear-cut chances. The home side’s best opportunity arrived via a Joshua Zirkzee header but Pickford made a flying save to tip the ball around the post.
In truth, the Toffees saw the game out fairly comfortably and not too many would have believed that they played the majority of the encounter with one player fewer. The win moved Everton up to 11th in the Premier League table - above fierce rivals Liverpool.
Everton player ratings
1. Jordan Pickford - 8
Probably couldn't believe what se witnessed between Gueye and Keane as he tried to defuse the situation. Made a fine save from Fernandes late in the first half. Made a flying save from a Zirkzee header in the second half to keep Everton ahead then made another decent stop. | Getty Images
2. Seamus Coleman - 5
Was steady on the ball but got beat by Amad and then his evening came to an disappointing end after 10 minutes because of injury. | Getty Images
3. James Tarkowski - 8
Lucky his nibble on Joshua Zirkzee wasn't spotted by the referee but otherwise solid in the first half. Cleared plenty of balls that was thrown his way in the second half. | Getty Images
4. Michael Keane - 9
Probably couldn't believe the skirmish he was involved in with Gueye led to the red card. Defended well after that, to his credit, for the remainder of the first half. Got in the right place so many times in the second half and the highlight was an impeccabl-timed challenge on Mbeumo inside Everton's box. | Getty Images