Everton secured a remarkable 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Monday, earning its first Premier League win at Old Trafford in 12 years despite playing virtually the entire match with 10 men. The dramatic result came after midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent off just 13 minutes into the game for slapping his own teammate, Michael Keane, in a heated on-field confrontation.
The incident unfolded moments after a defensive misunderstanding allowed Bruno Fernandes to fire narrowly wide. Tensions boiled over between Gueye and Keane, leading to a shove from Keane and an impulsive slap from Gueye. Referee Tony Harrington responded with a straight red card, a decision later confirmed by VAR. It marked the first dismissal in the Premier League for an altercation between teammates since Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller was sent off for slapping Andy Griffin in 2008.
At that point, the signs looked grim for Everton. United had never previously lost a Premier League match at Old Trafford to an opponent reduced to 10 men, and Everton manager David Moyes had failed to win in 17 prior league visits as an opposing manager. Matters worsened when Seamus Coleman was forced off through injury after just 10 minutes, leaving the visitors shaken and under intense pressure.
But Everton responded with resilience and, ultimately, brilliance. In the 29th minute, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered the decisive moment of the match, cutting inside before unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens reacted slowly as the ball flew past him, giving Everton a stunning lead against the run of events.
United dominated possession—especially in the second half—but looked blunt in attack as Everton’s defensive organization held firm. Jordan Pickford delivered an exceptional performance, producing several key saves to preserve the lead. His best came 10 minutes from time when he clawed away a close-range header from Joshua Zirkzee before denying the Dutch striker again during a frantic late surge.
Despite long-range efforts from Fernandes, near misses by Bryan Mbeumo, and a low shot that flashed wide from Mason Mount, United failed to capitalize on its numerical advantage. Everton’s determination and defensive discipline ultimately secured its second away win of the season.
The victory lifted Everton above city rival and reigning champion Liverpool into 11th place, level on 18 points with United but trailing on goal difference. For Moyes, it marked a long-awaited triumph at a ground where he had endured years of frustration—this time as the architect of one of Everton’s most unlikely wins in recent memory.
