'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#3 Manchester United can score goals but defense remains a concern for Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Manchester United's defense was a big talking point in the buildup to the crucial game, especially after their shoddy performance against Istanbul Basaksehir, in which the defenders' lack of commitment against Demba Ba's goal has been highly criticized.
Against Everton, though the defenders held their ground well for the majority of the game, they once again conceded the first and as a result, David De Gea could not keep a clean sheet on his birthday. Bernard scored through the legs of Aaron Wan-Bissaka but the defender had a good game after that and did put in some great tackles and interceptions.
Though Manchester United secured a win here and there were a few positives to for Ole Gunnar Solskjær to take home, he needs to drill them even more to address the issues.
#2 VAR controversy as two challenges go unpunished
The inclusion of technology in aiding match officials make a proper call during games in the Premier League has helped determine multiple penalties till date, but some of the decisions regarding flagrant fouls have brought it back into the limelight.
In this game, there were two events on which the VAR could've overturned the on-field decisions. First was a reckless challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who, after mishandling a cross, ended up kicking United defender Harry Maguire in the midriff in an attempt to make amends for his error. Despite huge shouts from the United players for a penalty, no action was taken.
The second event occurred just minutes after this one, as Maguire, furious over not getting a favorable decision on what he considered a clear foul, went in for a crunching tackle on Lucas Digne, who was deemed offside and eventually no action was taken by VAR.
Ever since Virgil Van Dijk was left injured from Pickford's challenge last month and the keeper got away with it, people have been urging VAR to check contentious incidents more closely, hopefully, things will improve with time.
#1 Bruno Fernandes shows his class for the Red Devils
Bruno Fernandes has continued to play a pivotal role for Manchester United ever since his move to the Old Trafford earlier this year. Tonight, he led from the front and almost single-handedly turned the match on his head with his two first-half goals and one assist in the second half.
Beyond his quick-fire double and assist, he was an influential presence in pressing the Everton midfield, winning three tackles more than anyone else for the visitors. He steps at key moments for the team and other players will be looking up to him for inspiration going forward.
