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By Sahil,
Goodison Park has not been a toffee hunting ground for the trophy hunters who last recorded a win there way back in 2007. This time neither was it a stroll in the park for the Champions who welcomed back Vidic and Cleverly into the starting XI after a long while.
In what proved to be an open and end to end first half, United took the lead through Chicharito, their Mexican forward who recently signed a new 5 year extension to his contract, after delightful build up play involving Fletcher, Welbeck and Cleverly who released Evra down the left wing to float in a delightful cross laid on a platter for Hernandez. The Everton defense was found wanting as the much maligned ( after the Derby Debacle ) left back was left in acres of space.
Former United striker Saha found himself in some very promising positions and it took all of Vidic’s defensive qualities to keep the Everton hitman, who Rio Ferdinand recently described as the toughest opponent he’s faced in training, at bay. Long time United target Rodwell did well to steal the ball from Cleverly and hit a low left footed drive which whizzed past De Gea's. The ever improving Leighton Baines didn’t do any harm to staking a place in Capello’s euro 2012 Squad by striking a delightful free kick onto the crossbar which United goalie De Gea could only stand and watch rooted to the ground hoping it wouldn’t go in off the underside of the bar. Saha ended the half with a few more snap shots from outside the D Box which didn’t trouble the United stopper.
The second half wasn’t as open as the first with United looking content with sitting back and defending and Everton looking to push forward in search of a goal to silence the growing discontent amongst disgruntled Toffee fans who were growing increasingly frustrated with the clubs lack of ambition and desire to push forward from the previous season. United had to substitute Cleverly early into the second half due to what appeared to be an ankle injury, with Nani. United were playing mind boggling football until Kevin Davies rough tackle ruled Cleverly out for 6 weeks ( Read, 1-5 away at the Reebok ) . After Cleverly’s departure Everton grew much more into the game and the Red Devils were clearly content absorbing the waves of attacks and playing on the counter. That ploy nearly paid off for them as Welbeck beat the off side trap and unleashed a thunderous left footed shot which was brilliantly parried away by former United stopper, Howard !
United had a few more nervy moments but managed to hold on for a very important win for the club. Sir Alex in the post match press conference said that its games like these that wins you championships !! David Moyes on the other hand was disappointed that his side didn’t get a point from this game which they might well have deserved. United will be breathing a huge sigh of relief upon the return of their pillar of strength at the back, Nemanja Vidic who came up with a stellar performance, repelling everything that was thrown at him. United have conceded just two goals in the four games that the Serb has featured for them. But they definitely need to up their game a few notches if they have to keep pace with their so called Noisy Neighbours. Sir Alex will be looking for a much improved performance next week at Old Trafford against the Black Cats which also marks his 25th Anniversary at the club.
In what proved to be an open and end to end first half, United took the lead through Chicharito, their Mexican forward who recently signed a new 5 year extension to his contract, after delightful build up play involving Fletcher, Welbeck and Cleverly who released Evra down the left wing to float in a delightful cross laid on a platter for Hernandez. The Everton defense was found wanting as the much maligned ( after the Derby Debacle ) left back was left in acres of space.
Former United striker Saha found himself in some very promising positions and it took all of Vidic’s defensive qualities to keep the Everton hitman, who Rio Ferdinand recently described as the toughest opponent he’s faced in training, at bay. Long time United target Rodwell did well to steal the ball from Cleverly and hit a low left footed drive which whizzed past De Gea's. The ever improving Leighton Baines didn’t do any harm to staking a place in Capello’s euro 2012 Squad by striking a delightful free kick onto the crossbar which United goalie De Gea could only stand and watch rooted to the ground hoping it wouldn’t go in off the underside of the bar. Saha ended the half with a few more snap shots from outside the D Box which didn’t trouble the United stopper.
The second half wasn’t as open as the first with United looking content with sitting back and defending and Everton looking to push forward in search of a goal to silence the growing discontent amongst disgruntled Toffee fans who were growing increasingly frustrated with the clubs lack of ambition and desire to push forward from the previous season. United had to substitute Cleverly early into the second half due to what appeared to be an ankle injury, with Nani. United were playing mind boggling football until Kevin Davies rough tackle ruled Cleverly out for 6 weeks ( Read, 1-5 away at the Reebok ) . After Cleverly’s departure Everton grew much more into the game and the Red Devils were clearly content absorbing the waves of attacks and playing on the counter. That ploy nearly paid off for them as Welbeck beat the off side trap and unleashed a thunderous left footed shot which was brilliantly parried away by former United stopper, Howard !
United had a few more nervy moments but managed to hold on for a very important win for the club. Sir Alex in the post match press conference said that its games like these that wins you championships !! David Moyes on the other hand was disappointed that his side didn’t get a point from this game which they might well have deserved. United will be breathing a huge sigh of relief upon the return of their pillar of strength at the back, Nemanja Vidic who came up with a stellar performance, repelling everything that was thrown at him. United have conceded just two goals in the four games that the Serb has featured for them. But they definitely need to up their game a few notches if they have to keep pace with their so called Noisy Neighbours. Sir Alex will be looking for a much improved performance next week at Old Trafford against the Black Cats which also marks his 25th Anniversary at the club.
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