I won’t forget so easily the last time my beloved Manchester United lost to Everton at Old Trafford. It was a midweek match one night in December of 2013 and you guessed right if you said David Moyes was United’s manager on the night of that game. I was so pained about that game because the goal scorer Bryan Oviedo who was not a regular (he replaced Leighton Baines who was injured before the match). Anyway we MOVE. Everton have not found joy at the Theatre of Dreams since then.
I will give you my side of the story as Manchester United played host to Everton earlier today.
The cave boys who were trapped along with their coach in North Thailand were also in attendance on the day to watch the Red Devils take on Everton.
It was strange not seeing Romelu Lukaku in the starting line-up for the Red Devils but hey I was just seriously praying the lads would come through, regardless of whom made the starting eleven. We are far off from the top four and the team needs to go on a run of consecutive wins to pose any sort of threat.
The game started with both sides pegging each other back in terms of attacking but United had the better of the chances with Anthony Martial and Juan Mata forcing saves from Jordan Pickford in goal for the Toffees. The Red Devils had cause to celebrate in 27th minute when Idrissa Gueye hacked down Martial in Everton’s 18 yard box to hand the Jose Mourinho led team a spot kick. Paul Pogba was called upon to take the penalty and though Pickford prevented the ball from going in, he could not stop the French man from burying the rebound. 1-0 to United. I was wondering why it took Pogba a while before he could take the spot kick, it was even said in some quarters that Usain Bolt would have finished a 100 meters dash when compared to the time Pogba used for his build up enroute to taking the penalty.
Gylfi Sigurdsson came close to drawing Everton level but David De Gea in goal for United was having none of it as he made light work of the Icelandic international’s header.
United went into the break with the 1 nil lead.
In the 2nd half the Red Devils picked up where they left off in the first half and Anthony Martial who unarguably has been United’s best player in the course of the month and on this game day grabbed a goal in the 49th minute to make scores 2-0. He hardly scores cheap goals and this one was a beauty.
The better chances kept coming Man Utd’s way but it was Everton that would get the next goal. A clumsy challenge by Chris Smalling on Richarlison led to referee John Moss pointing to the spot. Sigurdsson did not miss from the penalty spot. 2-1.
6 minutes of added time was given and last weekend’s game between Chelsea and Manchester United came to mind, where United conceded in the 6th minute of extra time to ensure Chelsea went away with a point. Martial came close to burying the game for the Red Devils’ in the 4th minute off added time but hit a weak shot at the goalkeeper.
Final scores 2-1 in United’s favour. We head to the Vitality Stadium next weekend to face Bournemouth.
In all not a great weekend for me sports wise but it was not that bad either. Man Utd, Juventus, Aberdeen won, Newcastle drew, Real Madrid and Aston Villa lost while Courteville FC and Kano Pillars were not in action. Roger Federer won his 9th Basel title in his home country, Switzerland and his 99th career title in all. His 100th title should come before the year runs out and eventually seal his status as the best tennis player ever.
And in case you missed it, Lewis Hamilton despite finishing 4th at the Mexican Grand Prix won his 5th Formula 1 title. He is now level with Juan Manuel Fangio but 2 behind Michael Schumacher.
Leicester City chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha lost his life along with 4 others when his helicopter crashed outside the club stadium. May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Thanks for your time guys, do have a fab week ahead. BLESS!!!
