Saturday 29/10/2011
Premier League
A resilient Manchester United side grind out all three points at Goodison Park.
Manchester United were looking to build on their mid week victory over Aldershot Town, and were in league action for the first time since losing 1-6 at home to Manchester City. Jonny Evans returned to the starting line-up after serving a one match ban for the sending off in the derby. United also starting with an attacking trio of Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Chicharito.
The match started with a blistering intensity, as both sides create chances within the opening minutes. Park Ji-Sung side footed a close range shot straight into Tim Howard in the Everton goal, just moments after Seamus Coleman had had a low drilled shot well saved by David De Gea. It was a high tempo start the game, but began to settle with United controlling the game in midfield.
And after 19 minutes they made this possession pay when Chicharito side-footed home from close range, following a superb cross from Patrice Evra. The away side had taken the lead, and had a spring in their step. United were looking to extend their advantage. A powerful attacking run from Phil Jones was stopped in the area through a last gasp challenge from Leighton Baines.
As we passed the half hour mark Everton began to get on top, winning a dangerous free kick on the edge on the United area. The free kick was chagered down, but in the following play Leon Osman had a close range shot saved by De Gea. Seconds later Everton had another chance to level when Jack Rodwell blazed a shot wide from a decent position, following sloppy defensive play from United. Everton come close yet again when on 40 minutes Leighton Baines hit the cross bar with a free kick from the edge of the area.
United held onto their lead going into half time and the second half was poised perfectly. Neither side were able to gain a foothold on the game in the early stages of the half, both being wasteful in possession. However as the game drew closer to the hour mark it was Everton again dominating the play with United reduced to trying to break on the counter. Even the introduction of Luis Nani and Dimitar Berbatov, wasn't helping United get on the front foot, as Everton continued to probe.
The Goodison Park crowd howled in anguish as the home side had a penalty appeal waved away in the closing stages, replays showed it would have been a very harsh decision, if awarded. United tried to retain possession as they ran the clock down, and 0 - 1 it stayed as United took all three points in what had been a very even game. The poaching instincts of Chicharito are what separated the two sides, as United claimed their 3rd away victory of the season.
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