Everton and Manchester United shared a point in an entertaining and feisty 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, where both teams were undone by goalkeeping mistakes.
The hosts had a dream start thanks to a calamitous error by United’s David de Gea, whose clearance cannoned straight into Dominic Calvert-Lewin and into the net for his 15th goal of the season.
Nemanja Matic’s shot smacked against the Everton crossbar three minutes later, and United continued to threaten the Everton goal, eventually equalising after 31 minutes as Everton’s Jordan Pickford failed to stop Bruno Fernandes’ bouncing shot from 20 yards at his near post.
Everton upped the tempo following the break and came close when Gylfi Sigurdsson hit the post with a dipping free-kick.
But there was late drama at both ends in a thrilling encounter as both keepers redeemed themselves with fine saves and Calvert-Lewin had a goal ruled out for offside as Sigurdsson lay in front of De Gea.
That led to Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti confronting the referee and being shown a red card after the final whistle with boos ringing around Goodison Park.
The result means United extended their unbeaten run to eight games and remain fifth, while Everton’s chances of reaching the Europa League were dealt a blow following Wolves’ win at Spurs.
Henderson’s relish as keepers struggle
Calvert-Lewin’s goal was his eighth in 10 Premier League games, but few have been as easy or fortunate as the game’s opener after only three minutes.
De Gea had plenty of time to clear following Harry Maguire’s careful backpass, but he dithered and the Everton forward’s willingness to press from the front would have impressed the watching England manager Gareth Southgate, who will pick his squad to play Italy and Denmark later this month.
The United keeper atoned for his mistake when he saved smartly from Calvert-Lewin moments later, but it means that no player has made more errors leading to goals since the start of last season than De Gea’s seven.
Pickford then contributed to his own team’s downfall by letting Fernandes’ shot bounce under his outstretched arms.
His mistake was not in the same category as De Gea’s, but with Southgate watching on, it may lead the England boss to consider Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson for the forthcoming friendlies.
The fact he is on loan at the Blades from Manchester United may also offer Solskjaer food for thought.
