Manchester United impressed in their clash with Everton and the statistics suggest the result wasn’t just deserved but arguably there should’ve been a bigger result.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s men played some of their best football of the season, particularly in the opening stages of the match, but were unable to capitalise as they did in the 6-2 crushing of Leeds United.
United ran out 2-0 winners thanks to late goals from Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial and the statistics indicated they weren’t just impressive going forward but defensively too.
Clean-sheets have been a little more difficult to come by this season so Solskjaer will be pleased to see his team keep a good Everton team at an arm’s length.
With the season running full steam ahead, the Red Devils seem to be picking up form at precisely the right time.
Yesterday, we weren't just offensively solid but our defensive structure was well grounded, too. Everton had 99 possessions but only reached our third 27 times and our box 10 times — their worst rates all season. pic.twitter.com/S0oxcS5qyo
— UtdArena (@utdarena) December 24, 2020
While Manchester United deserve credit for their performance and the stunning statistic above, it has to be said that Everton disappointed.
They showed up nervously to the fixture and failed to put in the kind of performance that had many believing they’d have a remarkable season this year.
Everton showed too much respect and essentially had all their players behind the ball in an effort to avoid being pummeled as Leeds were.
In the end it worked out for Manchester United but perhaps had their opponents come out of their shell more, then they would’ve been in more trouble.
Edinson Cavani has made quite an impact since his deadline day arrival at Old Trafford, but how much do you know about our other South American players, past and present? Take our quiz below to find out!