Dominic Calvert-Lewin snatched a late, late point for Everton against Manchester United in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
The striker got on the end of a free-kick in the final seconds and steered home to seal what was like an unlikely point for Carlo Ancelotti’s Toffees after they had previously come from 2-0 down.
Edinson Cavani had initially got the hosts ahead in the first half before Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead in particularly special fashion with a stunning drive. Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez hit quickfire strikes to haul the visitors level after the break. Scott McTominay thought he was the man to decide the game though as he netted a fantastic header but Everton were not to be denied with Calvert-Lewin sealing a share of the points.
Here are five things we learned from Old Trafford:
Cavani strikes against Everton again
Despite having been with Manchester United for surprisingly just four months, Everton must already be sick of the sight of Cavani. Having already struck twice against the Toffees this season in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup, the former Napoli and Paris Saint Germain marksman extended that excellent record.
In what has become a trademark goal throughout his career, he pounced with a wonderful header from Rashford’s ball. He will be hugely frustrated that his goal could not seal another victory.
McTominay continues red hot form
From one man in great form at the current time to another; Scott McTominay is arguably turning in his best displays in a Manchester United shirt. The Scot’s header against the Toffees made it six for the season – his best personal scoring campaign.
It was also his fifth goal in his last six games in all competitions at Old Trafford following prior strikes against Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton and Watford.
Considering it was tough to see him breaking into the starting XI ahead of the campaign with the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred, Donny van de Beek and Nemanja Matic at the club, his performances have been all the more impressive.
De Gea continues to fumble
For all of their unbelievable attacking talents, the same could not be said at the other end of the pitch for Manchester United. Once again, they were undone by a sloppy mistake from goalkeeper De Gea as he fumbled Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s shot straight into the path of Doucoure.
Since the beginning of the 2018/19 season, the Spaniard has made seven errors leading to goals in the league, the most of any Manchester United player. Only Martin Dubravka of regular goalkeepers has dropped more clangers than De Gea. Should Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be aiming for success at Old Trafford, he certainly needs to eliminate these mistakes sooner rather than later.
Away day specialists strike again
Whilst Carlo Ancelotti and his men could well be supremely disappointed to not have claimed three points, they can reflect on a fantastic comeback and another match undefeated on the road. Coming into the clash at Old Trafford, the Toffees had won four consecutive Premier League away games and had not lost on the road since early November.
It was always going to be tough to keep up that record considering that they had not managed to win five away league games in a row in over 50 years but they absolutely tried their upmost. Whilst it is some time away, Everton will be hoping to harness that spirit in their next Premier League away trip; the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Manchester United give opportunity to title rivals
At 2-0 up, the Red Devils sat joint top of the Premier League alongside rivals Manchester City. That would have been a huge psychological boost considering that the Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Anfield on Sunday. Had the Sky Blues fallen to defeat, that would have meant that the teams would be level, albeit with City having a game in hand.
However, having earned just a point against Everton, United are now two points behind their cross-city rivals and could even be eight points off of the pace if results go against them. It would then be a huge ask for them to overturn that deficit and win the title in the final 15 matches of the season. It’s a huge missed opportunity for the Red Devils.
They are now at odds as high as 11/1 with Betfair to win the Premier League crown.
Match Report
Manchester United: De Gea (4); Shaw (6), Maguire (5), Lindelof (5), Wan-Bissaka (6); Pogba (6) (Fred (6), 39′), McTominay (7), Fernandes (7); Greenwood (6) (Tuanzebe (N/A), 90+3′), Rashford (6), Cavani (7).
Everton: Olsen (5); Digne (6), Holgate (6), Keane (5), Godfrey (6); Davies (6) (Iwobi (5), 75′), Gomes (6), Doucoure (7) (King (N/A), 81′), Rodriguez (7) (Sigurdsson (7), 69′); Richarlison (6), Calvert-Lewin (7).
Goals: Cavani (24′), Fernandes (45′), Doucoure (49′), Rodriguez (52′), McTominay (70′), Calvert-Lewin (90+5′)
Referee: Jon Moss
Yellow Cards: Shaw (73′), Keane (80′), Tuanzebe (90+5′)
Red Cards: N/A
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