Everton denied late winner in 1-1 draw but get deserved point

In a strong and determined performance today Everton came close to a famous win at Old Trafford but had to settle for a point in the end after a one all draw.

This was another impressive effort from Everton who came into the match still missing their two international forwards Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin and captain Seamus Coleman, meaning Rafa Benitez again had to put together a makeshift attack and defence.

And they were up against a nearly full-strength United team bristling with pace and attacking talent and yet more than held their own.

In fact, in truth although United had most of the ball and created some good chances, the away side were always competitive and made some good opportunities themselves.

And late on they could have claimed all three points if Yerry Mina’s late strike hadn’t been ruled out by VAR for offside.

United, as would have been expected, started brightly and were on top early on but the Toffees were solid defensively and as they have throughout the campaign held their shape well.

Benitez has done a superb job getting back to basics with this team and ensuring that at the very least they are working hard and keep a strong consistent shape at all times.

As I’ve said before while it’s still relatively early in the Benitez era, you get the feeling that those very recent days when a flaky Everton would easily fold and capitulate when under pressure, especially at places like Old Trafford, are hopefully gone.

The Blues rode out the early pressure, didn’t panic and improved as the first half went on. Both sides had chances with United’s Edison Cavani having the clearest of them and bringing out an excellent stop from Jordan Pickford.

The home side looked dangerous in spells but they also don’t quite convince that all these undoutedly talented players can function fully as a team.

Meanwhile, the Toffees themselves offered a real threat on the break and Salomon Rondon, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Demarai Gray – both of whom were again outstanding – all had chances to score.

It looked as though the match would be goalless at half-time but then United got the breakthrough as Anthony Martial latched onto a fine pass from Bruno Fernandes and lifted the ball past Pickford.

Going behind was harsh on Everton and that showed just how competitive they had been overall, now it was time to respond.

After the restart the home side again had a spell on top but once more the Blues weren’t overawed and responded well, never allowing United to settle and always offering a real attacking threat whenever they could.

What else is there to say about Andros Townsend? I know I’m biased because he’s my namesake, but he’s been an inspired signing and again he was superb today and took his goal well.

He linked up with the ever energetic Doucoure and fired home after some superb initial work from Gray who showed he is ready to battle as well as playing silky attacking football.

Now despite having brought on Cristiano Ronaldo, United still didn’t truly convince they could win and it was Everton who had the ball in the net again after a corner.

But Mina’s goal was then ruled out for offside and the question is should Tom Davies have taken the shot instead of passing to Mina? The answer is ideally probably yes.

So in the end then a slight sense of disappointment at not getting all the points at Old Trafford and I certainly didn’t think I’d be feeling that when the game kicked off this afternoon!