Manchester United added insult to injury for Everton as Alejandro Garnacho’s incredible overhead kick contributed to a 3-0 victory, leaving the Toffees still stuck in the Premier League relegation zone.
This was Everton’s first match following a 10-point deduction for violating financial regulations, and the response from the home crowd at Goodison Park was filled with anger, as they displayed numerous placards accusing the Premier League of corruption.
However, just three minutes into the game, Garnacho showcased a moment of brilliance that will be remembered as one of the greatest goals in Premier League history. He met Diogo Dalot’s cross with a perfectly executed volley, sending it into the top left corner of Jordan Pickford’s net.
This moment of magic stood out amidst an otherwise inconsistent performance from Manchester United. Nonetheless, Marcus Rashford’s penalty and Anthony Martial’s goal ensured that Erik ten Hag’s team has now emerged victorious in five of their last six league matches.
United have moved up to sixth place in the table, just six points behind leaders Arsenal, despite a difficult season.
The Everton fans expressed their frustration towards the authorities for imposing the harshest penalty in Premier League history, creating a tense atmosphere for the visitors.
Sean Dyche’s team seemed to have escaped the threat of relegation with a strong recent performance, but they are now only above the bottom of the table on goal difference and five points away from safety.
Everton missed several opportunities to score, while Garnacho surprised the home crowd with an early goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had two great chances with headers but failed to convert them.
United’s teenager, Kobbie Mainoo, had an impressive Premier League debut, and only a clearance from the midfielder prevented Dwight McNeil from equalizing after Andre Onana saved Calvert-Lewin’s initial shot.
Abdoulaye Doucoure missed another great opportunity as Everton couldn’t take advantage of their dominance before halftime.
The home supporters already felt like the world was against them, and this feeling was reinforced when VAR awarded Manchester United a controversial penalty early in the second half.
Initially, referee John Brooks had booked Anthony Martial for diving, but after reviewing the replay, he changed his decision.
Bruno Fernandes gave the penalty kick to Marcus Rashford, who scored his first goal for the club since September 3.
Martial, starting in place of the injured Rasmus Hojlund, sealed United’s biggest league victory of the season with a composed finish from Fernandes’ through ball 15 minutes before the end.
