Talking points: What were the key events at Goodison?

Saturday 07 November 2020 12:45

Manchester United triumphed 3-1 over Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, thanks to a Bruno Fernandes brace.

The Reds had fallen behind when Bernard’s low shot found the net for the hosts in the 19th minute, but our Portuguese midfield maestro quickly restored parity six minutes later and lifted us in front shortly after the half-an-hour mark.

A fiercely contested second 45 saw plenty of chances for both sides, but a brisk counterattack finished off by Edinson Cavani in added time ended the contest and secured the win.

Here are the main talking points from our successful afternoon on Merseyside…

Everton 1 Manchester United 3

 Article

Fernandes scores twice - and Cavani nets his first goal for the club - as the Reds claim an excellent away win.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

The match – Everton’s closest home game to Remembrance Sunday – was preceded by a penitent moment as the Last Post rang out around Goodison to remember those who have lost their lives in conflict. Both captains laid wreaths in the centre circle, while the player’s shirts also carried the image of a poppy.

BRILLIANT BRUNO

Bruno Fernandes was at the heart of much of both the attacking and defensive play and his first-half contribution flipped the balance of the match in United’s favour. First, he evaded the Everton defence to power a header past Pickford to level the match, then his ball towards the back post – which was just out of reach for Marcus Rashford – had the accuracy to again beat the home stopper to give us the lead and, ultimately, the three points. Such performances from Bruno have been increasingly familiar since he joined the Reds, and no Premier League player has scored more away from home in all competitions: a total of 11 goals in 17 appearances.

 

HAPPY TRAVELS

It’s not just Bruno who has been enjoying life on the road. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team have now won seven on the bounce away from home in the Premier League. That run equals a record set under Alex Ferguson 27 years ago, in 1993.

PASS MASTERS

The Reds’ opening goal came off the back of a 20-pass move starting with Scott McTominay in his own half and ending with Luke Shaw’s floated cross to the unmarked Fernandes. Only one other goal in the Premier League so far this season has involved more passes in the build-up, and that was Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s finish against Newcastle which was preceded by a 21-pass sequence.

CAVANI SCORES

Summer signing Edinson Cavani was introduced as a late substitute and made his mark in the game when Fernandes laid off the ball to him, enabling the Uruguayan to net his first goal in United colours. Edinson become the second player from his country to score for the Reds in the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Diego Forlan.

TIME TO RECOVER

After an intense run of matches, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad now have a break from club duties, before the visit of West Brom to Old Trafford on 21 September. While a number of the squad will be representing their countries in that time, there will also be the chance to recuperate and prepare for another action-packed few weeks before the festive period.

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