Everton secured a much-needed victory over struggling Manchester United, triumphing 2-0 at Goodison Park on February 22, 2025. The Toffees showcased their resilience and tactical prowess, with Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure each finding the back of the net, sending shockwaves through the Red Devils' camp.
The match began on an intense note, with Everton immediately taking advantage of their home crowd. Manchester United, who have struggled mightily this season, looked tentative and unable to capitalize on their early possession. Despite having skilled players like Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund on the field, they managed only one shot until the 42nd minute, illustrating their dismal form. Stuart Pearce, the talkSPORT pundit, could barely conceal his disbelief: "I've not seen a performance this bad in all the time I've watched United," he said.
Everton's first breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark. Beto opened the scoring after capitalizing on chaotic scenes within the United penalty area. His goal raised questions about potential offside, but VAR intervened and confirmed the legality of the strike. A Premier League statement clarified, "The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – as there was no offside offence committed by either Lindström or Beto," ensuring Beto's fifth goal of the season was awarded.
Following Beto's opening goal, the momentum shifted fully to Everton, and shortly thereafter, Abdoulaye Doucoure doubled their lead with an opportunistic header. After Jack Harrison's attempt was parried by United's goalkeeper Andre Onana, Doucoure capitalized on the loose ball, beating Harry Maguire to score. The crowd erupted with chants of 'going down,' reflecting United's dire predicament as Everton continued to apply pressure.
Throughout the first half, Everton demonstrated superior tactics and execution. Beto's scoring streak became noteworthy; he became the first Everton player to score in four consecutive league matches since Richarlison accomplished the feat back in March 2021. Everton's manager, David Moyes, warmly greeted the performance; his faith was rewarded as Beto showed glimpses of his potential week after week.
Manchester United's woes continued under the leadership of Ruben Amorim, who faced scrutiny following the match. Commentators expressed skepticism about United's management and direction, with Sam Matterface stating, "The only good news for Ruben Amorim is they're so badly run financially, they probably can't afford to sack him," underlining the frustrations surrounding the club's performance.
Despite some moments of promise from the likes of Patrick Dorgu on the left flank, United struggled to find any cohesion. Their defensive lapses were glaring, conceding 11 goals from set-pieces throughout the season, now the joint-most of all Premier League clubs, alongside Wolves. Such defensive frailties greatly undermined any attacking efforts the team could muster.
With only one clean sheet to their name from the last 13 Premier League matches, it's evident United's defensive issues must be addressed urgently. The result leaves them four points behind Everton, now placed much more comfortably above the relegation zone.
The relentless pressure and intensity showed by Everton marked their eighth match unbeaten when scoring first (moving to six wins and two draws). With confidence soaring, they now aim to continue their good form as they prepare to face Brentford shortly.
For United, the challenges do not ease. They are set to face Ipswich midweek, and the fans' frustrations are palpable after yet another underwhelming performance.
Overall, Everton's victory emphasized their resurgence under Moyes, propelling them forward as they aim for greater heights this season. The contrasting situation for Manchester United calls for urgent introspection and re-evaluation if they hope to pull themselves away from the brink of disaster.