So finally Manchester United has found most needed 3 points at Goodison Park after their 3 frustrating close draws. An amazingly well coordinated Mata – Martial – Lingard trio in the attacking half and that ‘Pogba-stic’ performance clinched the game from the home side.

Matchup :

Jose Mourinho was desperate to get the second place at least on the verge of New Year after a hugely disappointing 0-0 draw at home to struggling Southampton.

While Everton was also under pressure as the Toffees fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The defeat against Bournemouth was really frustrating one for Everton as they got the lead in the match at first but Bournemouth came back really well to clinch the encounter with a margin of 2-1.

Teams :

Manchester United :

As Romelu Lukaku got sidelined due to his serious head injury in the Southampton match, Mourinho opted for an attacking trio of Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial. Lindelof came at right-back due to Valencia’s injury and Ashley Young’s suspension.

Everton :

The Merseyside, on contrary, gave Oumar Niasse and Nikola Vlašić a rare start and Rooney returned from his injury to face his old club.

Summary :

The clash was about more or less individual play works. Both sides got chances few and far between for either side in the first half. But both of the sides stood strong, nullifying each others’ counters.

Halftime came in the Merseyside with both the side keeping the score level.

The second half kicked off with a couple of excellent Juan Mata shots which kept Jordan Pickford on his toes and the post rattled.

It was Anthony Martial who had broken the deadlock after collecting a pass from international teammate Paul Pogba and bending it pass the Toffees’ Goalkeeper.

Jesse Lingard sealed the match with 10 minutes to go, an excellent curve to the second post, where the assist came yet again from Paul Pogba.

Individual Brilliance :

Marcos Rojo was brilliant on that night. His defensive interceptions saved more than many attempts of the Merseyside.

A great sliding challenge from Rojo ripped the ball off Niasse (24th minute)  and behind for a corner as the Everton forward pulled back his foot to shoot from eight yards. He’d been played in by Vlasic’s persistence and Jones’ pin-ball rebounder shin.

Vlasik and Bolasie of Everton were brilliant on the wing play. Whenever they got any chance, they cut inside and created chances.

Impressive Mata :

United’s No.8 is everywhere was almost single-handedly trying to find a gap in the Toffees’ tough defence. And that wicked curly effort which struck the post at 51st min.

Man of The Match :

United’s second half was sensational and tactical. And the man in the middle was Paul Pogba.

Mourinho used him a little up from the Southampton match, and he showed why he is one of the most dominating midfielders in the world now.

With his creativity, energy and dynamism, this former Juventus man took his team in the second spot in Premier League which would give Jose Mourinho some breathing space.