Idrissa Gueye’s shocking expulsion for slapping teammate Michael Keane did not prevent Everton from achieving an unforgettable victory against Manchester United. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ended David Moyes’ long-standing struggles at Old Trafford.
The ex-Red Devils manager had never secured a Premier League win while managing away from home, and a moment of madness just 13 minutes into Monday’s match threatened to extend this grim streak.
Gueye received a straight red card after hitting Keane during a heated dispute. However, the tenacious Everton side held their ground, with Dewsbury-Hall’s curling shot sealing a 1-0 win over a lackluster United.
This victory marked Everton’s first win at Old Trafford since December 2013, a match in which Moyes was in charge of the home team. The result ended Ruben Amorim’s unbeaten run of five matches.
United faced jeers at halftime and again at full-time, appearing far removed from their recent form as they struggled for offensive creativity against the resolute guests.
The team felt the absence of injured players Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha on a night when Jordan Pickford demonstrated his skill as an impenetrable last line of defence, as Amorim experienced defeat on the anniversary of his first game in charge.
It was a disappointing evening for United, who began the match by commemorating club legend George Best on the 20th anniversary of his passing.
Old Trafford also paid tribute to beloved fans Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, a former bassist for Stone Roses and Primal Scream, and Charlie Barlow.
Everton started the match brightly but soon faced adversity, beginning with an injury to skipper Seamus Coleman, who was replaced by Jake O’Brien shortly into his first Premier League start of the season. Moments later, Gueye lost his composure.
A poor pass from Gueye allowed Bruno Fernandes to capitalize, leading to a heated exchange with Keane that resulted in Gueye slapping him. Referee Tony Harrington promptly showed Gueye a red card, and Pickford had to step in to separate the two players.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Everton held firm, while United failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Dewsbury-Hall exploited United’s defense, weaving between Fernandes and Leny Yoro, whose feeble challenge allowed the midfielder to curl a shot from the edge of the box that Senne Lammens could not stop.
Everton’s travelling fans erupted in celebration as United slowly constructed a response to the 29th-minute strike.
Patrick Dorgu shot wide and Amad Diallo nearly equalized after showcasing some skill in the box. Just before halftime, Pickford was called into action again, making a brilliant save from Fernandes’ long-range effort.
The halftime whistle was met with jeers, and Mason Mount came on for Noussair Mazraoui after the break. United continued to struggle, misplacing passes and creating only a few half-chances.
Everton frustrated their opponents throughout, with Pickford again denying a snap shot from Bryan Mbeumo, and narrowly watching Mount’s effort bend wide of the post.
The crowd’s frustration at the lack of effective crosses grew, as Fernandes missed a clear chance from close range following a Mount cutback with just under 20 minutes to go.
“Attack, attack, attack!” resounded from the restless home supporters, who witnessed Pickford thwarting a header from Joshua Zirkzee on the forward’s first start in 225 days.
Fernandes fired over the bar and Zirkzee missed with another header, while the Netherlands international had another opportunity saved by the impressive Pickford.
In the end, United failed to break through and were booed off the pitch at the final whistle.