CALVERT-LEWIN LAST GASP
A few season ago you would have expected Manchester United to brush Everton aside will ease. However, Carlo Ancelotti is a manager with great credentials and a massive reputation, who is adept at getting the best out of his players. Therefore it should come as no surprise that Everton are now mixing it with the big boys and with two games in hand, have every right to stake a claim for a top four finish.
What’s more impressive is the fact that Ancelotti has instilled belief into his players and they are buying whatever it is he is selling. Let’s not forget that he guided Chelsea to the summit also, so its fair to say he knows exactly what he is doing. Can Everton win the league? NO! but they are definitely giving a great account of themselves and every Evertonian out there will most definitely be proud of what’s on display currently.
Everton travelled to Old Trafford to face a Manchester United side whom have enjoyed some good form recently and full of confidence. United knew they needed to win the game to maintain pressure on their local rivals Manchester City and a win against Everton would have seen them close the gap on the leaders. The game was highly entertaining as both sides looked for the opening with chances created at both ends of the park. It was Cavani who opened the scoring in the 24 minute having headed the home side ahead from a Rashford cross.
United’s player of the season so far (Fernandes) added a second with a spectacular effort from the edge of the box (contender for goal of the month for sure) giving the Everton keeper no chance. Everton were not phased by United’s goal advantage and immediately pulled a goal back at the start of the second half through Doucoure after great work by Calvert-Lewin. Man United threatened the Everton goal once more as Luke shows effort was saved. Everton finally found their equaliser through their superstar midfielder Rodriguez in the 52nd minute to level the score at 2-2 (he’d been missing for much of the game and literally about to be subbed, lucky the manager kept him on for two more minutes hahaha).
McTominay thought he’d grabbed the winner for Manchester United in the 70th minute as his team mates celebrated. All United had to do was to keep Everton at bay for another 20 minutes or so and the game would be theirs. Unfortunately, this Everton side are made of strong stuff and they pushed on right until the very last kick of the game when Calvert-Lewin pounced to get them a much deserved draw in the 95th minute as they stay in the hunt for a top four finish.
Elsewhere, Manchester City gave reason for their fans and supporters alike to believe that this could be their year as they obliterated defending champions Liverpool at Anfield. The Reds seem to have fallen off the pace (minus the SPURS game, cause everyone and anyone can beat Spurs…….let’s be honest) and it showed again in another poor performance against title contenders City. Man City were dominant in every area of the pitch and did not look like losing the game at all. Even with a missed penalty Gundogan still atoned for his error as he bagged two goals on the night whilst Sterling and man of the match Foden (the boy has a very bright future) added to the tally with the game ending 4-1 to City.
There were wins also for Tottenham (finally) as they beat West Brom 2-0 at home. Chelsea with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United as the new manager sets his sights on building back the Stamford Bridge hopefuls whilst Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. The London derby between Fulham and West Ham ended goalless as did the midland derby between Wolves and Leicester.
IT’S NEVER OVER TILL IT’S OVER!!!!!!!
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