Everton whack Man U

Dimitar Berbatov’s 16th minute goal looked to have paved the way for United to turn up the pressure on pace-setters Chelsea at the top of the table — but Everton had other ideas as they claimed another major scalp to emphasise their recent improvement.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s thunderous strike levelled for Everton within three minutes of Berbatov’s goal and both Louis Saha and the excellent Landon Donovan wasted opportunities to put them ahead, but they were not to be denied as they more than matched United after the break.

It was Everton’s two late substitutes who clinched the three points as Dan Gosling slid in Steven Pienaar’s cross with 14 minutes left and Jack Rodwell made it three with a solo effort in the dying seconds.

Rodwell’s moment of magic illustrated the talent that has made him a reported £30m transfer target for Ferguson — and the United boss saw what he is all about at close quarters.

Everton, with Leon Osman the game’s outstanding performer, were afforded a standing ovation by their ecstatic supporters at the final whistle, and rightly so after they demonstrated the confidence to match, and better, United in all areas of the pitch.

And Donovan, in his short loan spell at Everton, is underlining what a threat he will be to England’s ambitions at the World Cup in South Africa.

Ferguson will be disappointed United lost the opportunity to make up ground on Chelsea, but counterpart Moyes will be elated at his coup of beating both Chelsea and United in successive home league games.

It was quie... ...

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