Ten-man Everton pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the Premier League season on Monday night, beating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford despite playing almost the entire match with a man down.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored the only goal of the game in the first half, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford delivered an outstanding performance to deny a wasteful Manchester United side.
The match turned dramatic early when Idrissa Gueye was sent off in the 13th minute, leaving Everton with 10 men. Instead of falling apart, the visitors stayed organised, defended tightly, and waited for their moment.
That moment arrived in the 29th minute. Dewsbury-Hall moved past two United players and curled a beautiful shot into the top-right corner from the edge of the box. It was Everton’s only shot on target in the half, but it stunned the home crowd.
Manchester United then dominated the game with constant pressure. Amad Diallo threatened twice, Mason Mount sent several crosses into the area, and Bruno Fernandes tested Pickford. But Everton’s defence, led by James Tarkowski, refused to break.
Pickford was the standout player of the night. He made several crucial saves, including two big stops from Joshua Zirkzee late in the game and a fingertip save to push away Bryan Mbeumo’s low shot in the 63rd minute. United ended with more than 20 attempts, 12 corners, and 70% possession but could not find a breakthrough.
In added time, United pushed for an equaliser. De Ligt’s 92nd-minute effort was saved, and another late header was blocked before the final whistle.
When referee Tony Harrington ended the match, boos filled Old Trafford as Everton celebrated a hard-fought and potentially season-changing victory.
