Everton’s previous Premier League match on the tenth of February ended a five‑game unbeaten run for the Toffees; however, the defeat to Bournemouth was yet another failed attempt at securing a home win. An in‑form Manchester United were the latest team to visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium. With Jake O’Brien serving his one‑match ban, James Garner shifted to the right side of defence and Michael Keane moved Jarrad Branthwaite out to the left. Vitaliy Mykolenko was dropped following a disappointing performance last time out. David Moyes also named a total of five natural central midfielders in his eleven, opting to field Harrison Armstrong on the left while Tyrique George was made to start on the bench.
The 1878s had arranged another flag display prior to kick‑off and, true to form, did not disappoint. The club had clearly attempted to shake up the pre‑match routine by ditching “There She Goes” by The La’s and instead showing a compilation of famous goals against today’s opponents with a more upbeat soundtrack. All of this contributed to a raucous atmosphere, with the men in blue eager to fly into challenges and win the ball high up the pitch. Thierno Barry even managed to block the goalkeeper’s opening punt upfield straight from the whistle, only for the ball to roll out for a goal‑kick.
The visitors threatened to silence the stadium as Amad Diallo struck towards goal following pinball inside the Everton area. The ball snuck underneath Jordan Pickford’s gloves, but James Tarkowski was behind his goalkeeper to clear the danger. United looked lively and tried to build from the back, but the Blues pressed with plenty of energy. This led to a cagey opening to the half, with neither side able to create any real openings after the early scare. Diogo Dalot let fly with a half‑chance from 25 yards after Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall cleared away Bruno Fernandes’s wide free‑kick, but his shot skewed narrowly wide of Pickford’s left‑hand post. Everton themselves had a speculative attempt before the break, as James Garner struck a 35‑yard free‑kick towards the top corner, but the distance made it comfortable for Sam Lammers to gather.
Both sides went into the break feeling the game was there to be won. Neither felt a change was necessary, but Moyes had seemingly energised his eleven for the second half. From kick‑off, the Blues took inspiration from the ongoing Six Nations and looped the ball high for territory, with the forwards charging down the field. From this gained territory, Everton created their best chance of the match. Illiman Ndiaye skipped past Casemiro and picked out Dewsbury‑Hall on the edge of the box. His touch was quickly closed down, forcing him to play wide to Armstrong. The youngster curled his effort from the left, but it was too close to the goalkeeper to cause any trouble.
An energetic five minutes were dampened slightly as the visitors should have gone in front, only for Bryan Mbuemo to sky his effort from a few yards out. Kobe Mainoo found himself on the right‑hand side and delivered a tricky ball across the box. Tarkowski’s awkward attempt at a clearance allowed the Cameroonian forward to shoot over Pickford’s head and into the North Stand.
The contest then turned cagey again. Carrick opted for a change, bringing on young striker Benjamin Sesko on the hour mark. Everton continued to attack, throwing bodies forward. In the 71st minute, interplay between Garner, Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye allowed the latter to swing another cross into the United area, but it was cleared by Harry Maguire. As Matheus Cunha received the ball, nine blue shirts were positioned well inside their attacking half, leaving Mbuemo one‑on‑one with Keane. The Brazilian launched the ball upfield towards his fellow summer signing, exposing a mismatch in pace. Sesko raced up the field, comfortably outpacing Tarkowski. Mbuemo waited and set up a composed first‑time finish from the Slovenian, who stroked the ball into the bottom corner.
Moyes reacted by introducing lively winger Tyrique George for Armstrong, as well as Beto for Tim Iroegbunam. Despite George’s attempts to take matters into his own hands, neither substitute made the required impact to change the scoreline. During the final twenty minutes, Everton had a flurry of corners, but all drifted into the goalkeeper’s hands. In fairness, the young goalkeeper dealt with the pressure well as Everton clearly attempted to smother him. Keane nearly produced one of his trademark wonder strikes, this time on his left foot, but was denied by Lammers.
It was another home defeat; however, the home fans applauded their players off the field after witnessing a much improved display. Nevertheless, patience is wearing thin, as Everton finish another month without leaving the Hill Dickinson with all three points.
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