Defeat at Goodison gives Ferguson plenty to think about

Had this game been played at the start of the season, the outcome of Manchester United’s trip to Everton on Saturday would have been a foregone conclusion. However, David Moyes’s side proved they really are on the road to recovery and added another twist to this season’s enthralling title race.

Following their 3-1 defeat, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side remain second in the league on 57 points while leaders Chelsea are on 61 points after their 2-0 defeat of Wolves at the weekend. Everton are proving the achilles heel of the title chasing sides, having claimed a point off Arsenal and all three from Chelsea in the past month.

The win for Everton has taken them to eighth spot with 38 points, and the victory will have been all the sweeter for the way they came from behind to deal a surprising blow to United’s title hopes.

It’s little wonder that David Moyes was thrilled with his team’s efforts and suggested his side can begin to look up the table rather than down. “This was always going to be a tricky month and we have started it pretty well. It was a great result and you don’t beat big teams that often so we are delighted”, the Everton boss commented.

Those Everton fans still bitter at the departure of Wayne Rooney will also have delighted in watching their former idol struggle. He was eager to impose himself early in the second half, but a heavy footed touch left him missing his chance to put his side into the lead. He also missed a free kick which could have potentially put United back in the game.

Ferguson was clearly disappointed that his team couldn’t secure three points on Saturday, with the defeat making it an incredivle six in total for the season, five of those coming on the road.   Assistant manager Mike Phelan commented , “We lost points but didn’t deserve to win, we didn’t perform well enough. Everton deserved their victory”.

Ferguson now faces dilemma when his side face a resurgent West Ham at home tomorrow. He will want to keep his key players fresh for Sunday’s Carling Cup final, but he knows his side can not afford to drop any more points.  Gianfranco Zola knows that even a point from the game would boost his side’s chances of survival, and hand his former club Chelsea the title race initiative.

Rachel Thompson