Blocked By Everton 0-1 At Goodison Park, MU's Chance To The Champions League Is Getting Dimmer

Bruno Fernandes, failed to bring home points from Goodison Park. (photo; twitter @ManUtd)

JAKARTA – The 0-1 defeat to Everton in matchday 32 of the Premier League at Goodison Park on Saturday night WIB, made the chances of Manchester United qualifying for next season's Champions League increasingly slim. This defeat made the Red Devils not move from the middle of the standings, in 7th place.

On the other hand, the victory through Anthony Gordon's single goal in the middle of the first half did not make Everton move from 17th place with 28 points. Everton are still a danger, as they are only one level above the relegation zone.

Manchester United is now only collecting 51 points from 31 matches. Ralf Rangnick's side are level with West Ham in 6th place and three points off fourth (Tottenham) and fifth (Arsenal). However, Arsenal and Tottenham themselves played fewer games than Manchester United.

When challenging Everton, MU actually appear fierce. The Red Devils immediately threatened the Everton goal in the 9th minute. One of them from Bruno Fernandes' free kick, which managed to penetrate the Everton defense. Marcus Rashford immediately struck the ball. But Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was able to make a save.

Two minutes later, United got another chance. Fernandes' cross from the left was headed in by Rashford, but Pickford was quick to react again to parry the ball.

MU got space through Fernandes attack on the left side following a mistake by Fabian Delph. However, Fernandes' bait into the penalty box was far from the reach of Jadon Sancho and Rashford.

4️⃣5️⃣ minutes to turn this one around – let's step it up, Reds!#MUFC | #EVEMUN pic.twitter.com/LVcgRLk77K

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 9, 2022

On the other hand, the hosts surprised MU in the 27th minute. Everton's first shot in this match, which was released by Anthony Gordon, immediately resulted in a goal.

Anthony Gordon grabbed a wild ball in front of United's penalty box and the ball hit the "patient", Harry Maguire, to outwit goalkeeper David de Gea. Score 1-0 to The Toffees

The goal added to the enthusiasm of the Everton players. Richarlison spread the threat through a shot from outside the penalty box, but De Gea could still be pushed aside. Everton's 1-0 advantage lasted until the first half ended.

Entering the second half, Manchester United put more pressure. However, they still struggled to create chances and Cristiano Ronaldo was lacking the ball.

Paul Pogba also tried to keep shooting from outside the penalty box. But his shot was still readable by Jordan Pickford to secure his goal from being conceded.

MU relentlessly continued to pressurize in order to equalize. However, the Everton defense was able to block several attempts from the visitors.

​Until the game ended, Everton managed to maintain their advantage and were entitled to pocket three points in this match.

Lineup:

Everton (4-3-3): Jordan Pickford; Seamus Coleman, Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane, Vitalii Mykolenko; Fabian Delph, Allan, Alex Iwobi; Anthony Gordon, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Gray 71'), Richarlison

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Alex Telles; Nemanja Matic (64' Eyes), Fred (Paul Pogba 36'); Marcus Rashford (64' Eagle), Bruno Fernandes, Jadon Sancho; Cristiano Ronaldo