Ten-Man Toffees Triumph in Theatre of Dreams Upset
In a stunning Premier League upset, Everton defied a first-half red card to secure a memorable 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The match, played exactly a year after manager Ruben Amorim named his first United lineup, saw his current side capitulate against a resilient Everton team that played for over 75 minutes with ten men.
Bizarre Incident and Dewsbury-Hall's Delight
The game's pivotal moment arrived in chaotic fashion when Idrissa Gueye received a straight red card for slapping his own teammate, Michael Keane. The bizarre incident occurred after a United attack, with Gueye approaching Keane who pushed him away, prompting the Senegalese midfielder to deliver what was described as a "pitter-pat slap" to his centre-back's cheek. Referee Tony Harrington had no hesitation in dismissing Gueye for violent conduct, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford having to restrain the furious midfielder from further confrontation.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Everton took the lead through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's magnificent 20-yard strike. The midfielder collected the ball in acres of space, shrugged off a challenge from Bruno Fernandes, deceived defender Leny Yoro and fired an unstoppable shot high into the net past Senne Lammens, sparking wild celebrations from the travelling Everton supporters.
United's Lethargic Response and Table Implications
Manchester United, presented with 77 minutes to exploit their numerical advantage, produced a disjointed and lethargic performance that drew frustration from the home supporters. Their best chances fell to substitute Joshua Zirkzee, who twice forced Jordan Pickford into flying saves with headers, but these were rare moments of potency from Amorim's side.
The victory marked David Moyes's first Premier League win at Old Trafford as a visiting manager and only Everton's second victory at the ground in 32 years. The result sees both teams level on 18 points in the table, with Everton climbing to 11th place and United missing the opportunity to move into fifth position.
Amorim made several changes in an attempt to spark his team into life, introducing Mason Mount at half-time and Kobbie Mainoo later in the match, but United's play remained characterised by poor decision-making and wasted opportunities. Fernandes fired over the bar on multiple occasions, while other attempts from Mount and Casemiro failed to truly test Pickford.
The performance raises further questions about United's consistency and their ability to challenge for Champions League qualification, with Everton's organisation and determination proving decisive in a match that defied expectations.
