Goals from Richarlison, Gyilfi Sigurdsson, Lucas Digne and Theo Walcott gave Everton a huge 4-0 win over Man United to leave Ole Gunnar Solksjaer winless in his last five away games. Citi Sports has picked up out the key points from the tie at Goodison Park.
Hardwork always wins. Always.
“We were beaten on all aspects today. The only place we beat Everton – I can’t say we beat them – but we had a fantastic support and I just want to apologise for the performance we turned out.”
Those were the words of Ole Gunnar Solksjaer after the match and it highlighted football’s greatest maxim: hardwork always wins when talent does not feel like working.
Everton were first to everything on the field and that was why they won. It was not down to a tactical masterclass and that showed just horrible Man United were.
Everton tackled better, harried better and executed better while Man United looked bereft of any ideas and life.
Iddrisa Gana Gueye ran the entire midfield as Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic and Fred were helpless. Gueye looked like what Man United were missing on the day and it was dreadful for fans of the Red Devils.
It is great seeing Man United admit that there were behind on all variables. It is a reminder that they have to get more serious else darker days are ahead.
Ole’s honeymoon is over
The sages say “time makes love pass” and for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, the love has passed. The highs of the winning start to his tenure have worn off and he must face the huge task he signed up for.
Is he ready? He believes so and he stated it after the loss to Everton. He said he wanted to be a successful manager and players who were not ready to join the train would have to leave.
With his critics citing bias towards Man United academy products, Solksjaer will have to show that he is ready to throw poor performers off the boat at the end of the season.
The Norwegian has to show that he can get it right where David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and Jose Mourinho got it wrong and that task is very difficult.
He may have a 3 years on his contract but should he falter, there are doubts if he will stay long.
Liverpool cannot rely on Man United
While Man United are fighting for their hopes for Top 4, they are somehow involved in the title conversation. Why?
Well, they face Man City on Wednesday and Liverpool need the Red Devils to hold Man City or better yet, beat Pep Guardiola’s men to help their title chances.
After the result at Goodison Park, it has become quite obvious that Liverpool will need another variable to help them win the league title.
Manchester United will find it very difficult taking down Manchester City and that is something one cannot deny.
Add the fact that there is a huge rivalry between Man United and Liverpool and you have a complex dynamic on your hands.
Will Man United think of their chase for top four football and go after their crosstown rivals or they will be put off by a possible capture of a league title by Liverpool?
Tough questions but what is very sure is this. Liverpool cannot depend on Man United. They are too dodgy to trust.
