S Poddar
Everton and Manchester United fought out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, as last-gasp drama rather than the match itself was the main topic of conversation. Bruno Fernandes was central to United’s comeback, but it was frustration for Everton as a stoppage-time penalty was controversially ruled out after a VAR review.
United looked like they were on the back foot after going behind to first-half goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure. The hosts controlled early exchanges, and Beto, rejuvenated under David Moyes, extended his remarkable scoring run. The striker made full use of United’s defensive frailties, smashing in his fifth goal in four Premier League games. Doucoure made it two with a calm finish, leaving United scrambling to get back into the game.
Despite dominating in the early stages, Everton came under growing pressure after halftime. United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, set hope aflame with an impressive free-kick that arced over Jordan Pickford. The momentum had switched, and as Everton was being driven deeper into their half of the pitch, the visitors smelted chance.
Their tenacity was rewarded when a Fernandes set-piece created chaos in the box, ultimately falling to Manuel Ugarte, who blasted in the equalizer. Goodison Park, which had been rocking with confidence, now stood in suspense as United pressed for a winner. But just as Everton appeared to be stealing the three points, a dramatic twist left the home supporters seething.
Deep into injury time, Ashley Young collapsed under the challenge of Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire inside the penalty box. Andy Madley pointed to the spot instantly, causing ecstatic scenes among the Everton fans. But VAR official Matt Donohue instructed the referee to look at the pitchside screen. Reviewing the video, the call was overturned, with the main emphasis appearing to be on the challenge of Maguire and not the shirt tug of De Ligt.
David Moyes was seething after the match. “So did they look at the shirt pull? It looked to me like that was enough,” he asked. Everton’s boss had every cause to be livid, because his team appeared to be facing a comprehensive win before United responded in the second half and this contentious VAR incident.
For United, the turnaround exemplified their resolve, inspired by Fernandes’ initiative and creativity. Although struggling in the first half, they managed to engineer a return, so as not to depart on an empty sheet. Everton, however, will regret missing the chance, particularly after their advantage disappeared at the dying embers.
Player grades captured the desperate nature of the game. Everton’s Beto and Doucoure were high on the charts, each gaining high grades for their efforts. Fernandes and Ugarte drove United’s recovery, although several of their own teammates had an awful afternoon.
The draw leaves both teams with mixed feelings. Everton dominated for big chunks of the game but were unable to hold on, while United will be encouraged by their late comeback. But the greatest talking point is still the penalty that was overturned, a moment that will be debated long after the final whistle.
As the Premier League season picks up pace, both sides will seek to capitalize on this result. Everton will be looking to ensure consistency, while United will seek to transfer their second-half momentum into subsequent games. Either way, this encounter at Goodison Park will be one that is remembered as a game of drama, controversy, and a tale of two halves.
