Paul Merson ridicules Manchester United after Everton controversy
Everton enjoyed plenty of fruit from their labour against Manchester United during the first half on Saturday.
Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure sent David Moyes’ men in at the break flying, but Ruben Amorim’s side regrouped after the break to snatch a 2-2 draw through Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
Controversy over decisions populated the contest, having firstly surrounded the opening goal scored for Everton by the towering frontman, who has now fired five goals in four games for the Toffees and counting.
In the dying embers, a challenge on former United man Ashley Young – initially given as a penalty – was then overturned on review by referee Andy Madley as the clash ended all square.
Paul Merson scathes Manchester United after key moment
Merson, speaking live on Sky Sports News (22 February, 12:51), was quick to lament Manchester United following a lengthy VAR check for two incidents in the build-up to the Beto goal.
A check lasting over three minutes ensued after the Bissau-Guinean had struck into the roof of the net, with two separate offside appeals run through by the video official studio.
However, the goal stood despite the visitors’ protests with Merson interjecting Mike Dean discussing the allowance of the goal.
“It doesn’t look offside from the first view when the ball is headed back in. He’s onside by a good yard or so,” Dean said, with which Clinton Morrison promptly agreed.
Merson commented: “It’s just bad defending.”
Everton looking to bow out from Goodison on a high
It always seemed apt that David Moyes was coming back into the building in time for the last swan song at Goodison Park.
Everton have been in inspired form ever since, putting teams to the sword on a regular basis as well as playing out that unforgettable Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool on 12 February.
After the Manchester United clash, their cross-city rivals Manchester City as well as title-chasing Arsenal are still yet to visit L4 one final time.
The first half went perfectly for the Toffees against a side with whom they have played out some memorable Goodison encounters down the years, but United were able to claw back a point from their short journey west.
At the moment, despite the second-half setback Everton should still feel as if they can beat anyone – in absolutely stark contrast to the feeling among the supporters and undoubtedly in the dressing room for the majority of this season so far.
Five more Goodison encounters remain before the doors are locked for good, and to do the Old Lady justice, Everton will be seeking a strong end to 2024-25, a season which will go down in folklore no matter what.