Everton’s woes continued as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford converting first-half penalties.
This loss extended Everton’s winless streak in the Premier League to 11 games, leaving them precariously perched just five points above the relegation zone. Despite having played two more games than 18th-placed Luton, Everton faces a looming threat of getting dragged into the relegation battle.
The match saw James Tarkowski’s mistimed challenge on Fernandes leading to a penalty, which the Portuguese midfielder calmly converted, marking his eighth goal of the season.
Everton’s persistent struggle to score goals was once again evident, with a missed opportunity early in the game when a combination of Amadou Onana and Ben Godfrey failed to capitalize on a chance. Despite Dwight McNeil’s attempts, including a close effort that narrowly missed, Everton couldn’t find the back of the net.
Manchester United, while giving up 16 or more shots on their goal for the 16th time in 28 league games, managed to secure the win as Everton lacked the finishing touch. The victory keeps United in the race for Champions League qualification, sitting within eight points of fourth-placed Aston Villa and three points behind Tottenham in fifth.
In a last-minute scare for Everton, they nearly conceded a third penalty when Rashford was brought down by Jarrad Branthwaite. However, the offside flag came to Everton’s rescue, sparing them from further misery in stoppage time.
The defeat emphasizes Everton’s urgent need for improvement, both in their defensive discipline and offensive prowess, as they navigate the challenges of a difficult Premier League season.
Sheffield United (20th)
Predicted points: 15; goal difference: -66
Burnley (19th)
Predicted points: 18; goal difference: -43
Luton Town (18th)
Predicted points: 33; goal difference: -26
Nottingham Forest (17th)
Predicted points: 34; goal difference: -20
Crystal Palace (16th)
Predicted points: 37; goal difference: -22
Everton (15th)
Predicted points: 38; goal difference: -12
Brentford (14th)
Predicted points: 43; goal difference: -10
Fulham (13th)
Predicted points: 45; goal difference: -5
AFC Bournemouth (12th)
Predicted points: 47; goal difference: -15
Brighton & Hove Albion (11th)
Predicted points: 52; goal difference: +1
Wolverhampton Wanderers (10th)
Predicted points: 53; goal difference: -6
West Ham (9th)
Predicted points: 55; goal difference: -8
Chelsea (8th)
Predicted points: 55; goal difference: +2
Manchester United (7th)
Predicted points: 56; goal difference: -4
Newcastle United (6th)
Predicted points: 61; goal difference: +22
Tottenham Hotspur (5th)
Predicted points: 67; goal difference: +20
Aston Villa (4th)
Predicted points: 74; goal difference: +28
Manchester City (3rd)
Predicted points: 84; goal difference: +46
Arsenal (2nd)
Predicted points: 90; goal difference: +62
Liverpool (1st)
Predicted points 92; goal difference: +56