Match Preview - Everton 0-1 Manchester United

Competition: Premier League
Kick-Off & Date: 12pm, Saturday, 29th October 2011
Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool (Away)
Attendance: 35,494


Manchester United were too strong for Everton on Saturday morning, as Javier Hernandez scored early to put three points on the board for the reigning Premier League Champions. In a tight encounter, Chicharito converted Patrice Evra's wonderfully inviting cross to ultimately win the match for The Red Devils, albeit in an edgy manner. But don't be fooled - United are now well in the hunt for their 20th English domestic league title...  

David De Gea started as goalkeeper for United, who had Nemanja Vidic - captain - and Jonny Evans in centre-back roles, along with Phil Jones and Patrice Evra as fullbacks. Darren Fletcher sat in midfield, slightly behind Tom Cleverley, and supported by Ji-Sung Park and Danny Welbeck on the wings. I think you can guess who was up-front... Yes, the formidable Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and Wayne Rooney, with 15 goals between them.

Seamus Coleman almost had Everton in front within seconds, as he broke down the right flank only to be thwarted by De Gea. Park had an effort stopped at the other end by Tim Howard, before United took command of the tie. And it was on 19 minutes when Evra's superb cross was tapped into the goals by Javier Hernandez. The Mexican goal poacher was inside the six-yard box having lost his marker, and easily scored from Pat's perfect pass.

The Red Devils were now ahead and had a foothold in the game, but Everton would not give up for a second, and neither would their fantastically noisy home support. Slowly, but surely, The Toffees came back into the clash and started to put United on the back foot. But with the in-form Jones and Evra out wide in defence, the recovered Evans and the on-song Vidic, Everton weren't being allowed to much leverage. Not to forget De Gea, either. 

David made some fine stops to deny the likes of Leon Osman and Jack Rodwell, but he was well beaten in the 40th minute by Leighton Baines' free-kick, which smashed off the crossbar and rebounded out. The let off for United turned Goodison Park into the loudest area of Liverpool, as the home support urged their team to find an equaliser. But it was the away side, The Champions, who were in the lead - this despite a number of efforts from Louis Saha.

The former Red couldn't find the back of the net for The Blues, and so manager David Moyes introduced a number of substitutes in the second half. Sir Alex Ferguson did likewise, but the first was forced on him due to an ankle injury to Tom Cleverley. Luis Nani replaced the midfielder, and he was shortly followed by Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia for Javier Hernandez - the scorer - and Danny Welbeck, beyond the hour point. 

Welbeck, before he was subbed, tested Howard from close range, but it was Everton who maintained the pressure on the Manchester United goal. De Gea was capable in his dealing with the threat posed by The Merseysiders, and made a world-class save from Rodwell in the latter stages... With his face ! (Ouch). Everton sub Magaye Guaye went down in the box after running into Evra, and referee Mark Halsey corrected laughed-off the penalty claims.

Then, one of Mr. Halsey's linesmen (Andy Halliday) fell ill after he slipped, and after a rigmarole, he was replaced by fourth-official Phil Dowd - only for 6 - yes, six - minutes to be added on to the end of the match. Everton fans were on the edge of their seats in the final stages, as United's followers were biting their nails. But Sir Alex's side saw out the remaining time to win the fixture 1-0 in an ugly fashion, but secured a vital 3 points in the Premier League. 

At the time, The Red Devils were just 2 points off the pace at the top, and 4 points ahead of their nearest challengers. 2nd place isn't where we want to be, but soon enough Fergie's Red Army will climb back into pole position no doubt. The early season 'spring in our step' has deserted us, but sure enough we can still win 1-0. Next up is Champions League duty at home to Otelul Galati, before the visit of Sunderland next weekend in the EPL. No bother !

 
United Team: David De Gea, Patrice Evra, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Nemanja Vidic, Tom Cleverley (Luis Nani '57), Ji-Sung Park, Darren Fletcher, Danny Welbeck (Antonio Valencia '73), Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez (Dimitar Berbatov '67).

Goals: Chicharito '19

• Video Highlights: Everton 0-1 United