Premier League Photos: Everton 3-1 Man Utd (Moyes 1-0 Fergie)

Ollie Irish

22nd, February 2010

3 Comments

By Ollie Irish

This was a brilliant game of football, and one which carried the promise of spring in its step. If United were jaded, Everton were very, very good – it’s rare that a Fergie team is played off the park but that’s what happened at Goodison on Saturday. Even Wayne Rooney had a poor game, but then his back must be aching something chronic, having carried the team for most of the season.

Everton have been excellent for many weeks now. Since the arrival of Landon Donovan to be exact. I wasn’t convinced that the American would succeed under David Moyes, but Landycakes has proved that he can cut it at the very highest level. I’m sure Everton would love to keep him. I’m also sure Donovan would love to stay and establish himself in the Prem, but LA Galaxy will want serious compensation if they are to give up their best player. If Donovan wants it enough, and is prepared to fight to make it happen, it will happen.

Don’t discount Everton from the race for fourth place. If they continue to play this well, there is a slim chance they could accelerate past Spurs, Liverpool, Man City and Aston Villa. That would be a remarkable achievement by Moyes, who despite Everton’s season-long injury crisis has averted a drama with an admirable lack of fuss – it’s the mark of a manager who looks increasingly like a readymade replacement for Alex Ferguson in the Old Trafford hotseat.

The best photos from a sunny Goodison:

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Everton's Landon Donovan (right) and Manchester United's Antonio Valencia battle for the ball