A last-gasp equaliser, dangerous tackles and a stunning goal; the game between Everton and Manchester United had everything to make it an exciting game which ended 1-1. Both the teams won't be satisfied with a draw as the Toffees created many opportunities but lacked that final pass in the attacking third. United were sharp in their play and looked dangerous every time they attacked but could not score more than one goal.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a delightful lob to give United the lead at their most dreaded stadium; the Goodison Park. The game was looking like a huge victory for the visitors but Marouane Fellaini, a late substitute gave away a cheap penalty in the dying stages as Leighton Baines scored easily from the penalty spot. Let's take a look at the five talking points from the exciting game between Everton and Manchester United :
#1 Manchester United are showing newfound fragility:
Holding on to a lead or seeing off games were said to be basic things in United's glory years which seem to have gone with their departed legendary manager. Though the Red Devils have dominated the majority of games that they have lost points in, United's inability to convert chances or conceding in the last 10 minutes have cost them seven points this season.
United and Everton had top four aspirations which are looking in tatters as Chelsea, the table toppers are now a staggering 13 points ahead of Jose Mourinho's men. The Portuguese has now won just one game out of his last six Premier League matches which is a worrying sign for the club hierarchy. United have never looked so vulnerable yet so creative at the same time before which is a worrying a trait to have for a team of United's stature.
#2 Everton went back to basics last night
Ronald Koeman issued in his pre-match program to press the opposition incessantly but that did not happen as the hosts were sloppy with the ball. With their usual style of play not beating fruit, Everton decided to opt for a direct old fashioned approach of playing long balls and putting the defenders under pressure.
Kevin Mirallas created a number of chances by latching onto those and Idrissa Gueye, a self-acclaimed Manchester United fan, chased long balls and provided immense work rate. Though Everton were wasteful in possession, they made it up with their direct approach as it paid dividends with David De Gea being tested on six occasions.
#3 Marouane Fellaini's United stint might come to an end quicker than expected
The Belgian was brought on in the final few moments to steady the ship and see out the game which could have seen United acquire all three points. Instead, a lazy challenge on Gueye inside the 18-yard box gifted Everton a penalty in the last few minutes of the game. Fellaini had not done anything worth mentioning in the game until then as the former Everton midfielder proved to be the villain for his current team.
His footballing abilities are always questioned with the towering midfielder offering few attributes on the pitch. With his latest mistake which could have a major impact on United's campaign, Fellaini and his agent should start looking for new pastures as United are planning a major exodus in the coming transfer window and the Belgian will be on top of that list.
#4 Marcos Rojo is a very lucky man
Referee Michael Oliver failed to take the big decisions as Rojo made a two-footed challenge on Idrissa Gueye in the first half which should have been a straight red. He received just a yellow card which is baffling as Oliver was not far from the action when it happened.
It was a pivotal moment in the game and could have decided the outcome had Oliver shown some courage to give the marching orders to the Argentine. Marcos Rojo is another United player whose future does not seem to be at Old Trafford as he showed why he is not considered a first choice defender for the Red Devils.
#5 Manchester United and Everton don't look top four worthy
The teams in action at Goodison Park have spent £200 million combined on summer transfers and yet they have not looked as they can challenge the free-flowing teams like Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool. Both the teams are mid-table right now and will be there for a will as the gap has widened between the top five sides and the pretenders.
United have the most expensive player at their helm and Everton have an exciting squad at Koeman's disposal but it has not worked out yet for both the teams. This game which ended all square reflected just why the both teams are so behind the trendsetters of this season and also as to why both teams will struggle to challenge them.
