Manchester United continued their recent winning run as they beat Everton 3-0 on Sunday in the Premier League.
It was a familiar story for the Red Devils, who underwhelmed for long spells and didn't always look comfortable with the intense Goodison Park atmosphere, yet came away with a convincing win. Alejandro Garnacho's outstanding overhead kick was undoubtedly the pick of United's goal - and could be up a contender for goal of the season - while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial were also on target.
Prior to the game, Everton fans showed their frustration at the Premier League’s recent 10-point sanction, by holding up flyers saying ‘corrupt’ and booed the league’s anthem, while fireworks also were set off outside the ground.
Yet, against a hostile atmosphere, United started the game in the best possible manner, and were ahead within three minutes. After Rashford and Diogo Dalot had combined down the United right, the latter chipped a cross into the back post and Garnacho produced a stunning overhead kick from the edge of the box, which flew past a helpless Jordan Pickford.
United initially coped well with the intimidating atmosphere, with Luke Shaw firing a half volley over in the early stages. But the tide turned after 20 minutes when Everton responded to the rousing reception of the home support.
The Toffees spurned 10 shots in the first period, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing four chances, including a dangerous header inside the box. The Toffees forward also saw a shot saved by Andre Onana, as was the follow-up from Jack Harrison, before Kobbie Mainoo was forced to scramble back and clear the ball off the line as it rebounded off Harry Maguire.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye also went close, with Everton dominating the latter stages of the opening 45 minutes.
But United were the better side in the second period and doubled their lead from the spot in the 56th minute as Rashford netted after Anthony Martial was tripped by Ashley Young in the box.
Everton did respond well to that setback with Gueye forcing Onana into a great save, while Doucoure saw a shot blocked by Dalot, but the Toffees’ self-belief ebbed as the half continued. Vitali Mykolenko did hit the bar in the 78th minute, but that was after United had grabbed third.
Fernandes created the chance for Martial as he slipped the ball into the Frenchman’s path and he poked it beyond Jordan Pickford to make it three on the day, nettin his first league goal of the season and managed to continue his impressive record against Everton.
James Garner and Harrison had late chances for Everton, but it was one of those days for the hosts, as United came away with a clean sheet. Here's how we rated the United players...
1. Andre Onana- 8
Made some big saves, with the best being the double stop to keep out Calvert-Lewin and Harrison, as well as the claw to palm out Gueye's strike in the second period.
2. Diogo Dalot- 7
Most of Everton's attacks came centrally or down their right. Dalot was relatively solid and provided the assist for Garnacho's opener.
3. Harry Maguire- 7
Defended well, in the main, with Calvert-Lewin's best moments coming up against Victor Lindelof.
4. Victor Lindelof- 6
Too often the Swede's passes were sloppy out of back, but the defender improved as the game went on.