Everton 0-2 Manchester United
The Red Devils will march on to the EFL Cup semifinals as Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial delivered the knockout punch in the game’s late stages.
Manchester United had significant control for pretty much the whole game, and all they needed was a breakthrough after shooting blanks all over.
They wasted numerous opportunities early on and it appeared that the game will be heading for a penalty shootout, but Cavani would seize momentum for United and they never looked back.
With their latest win in Goodison Park, the Red Devils remain unbeaten on the road as they stunned the 2,000 fans watching in the stands.
This also means that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still on track for his first piece of silverware as manager of the club, while Everton’s 25-year trophy drought will continue unfortunately.
“It was an excellent performance and we should have been out of sight, we had three or four great chances,” said United skipper Harry Maguire postgame.
“We are expected to win trophies. It’s important to reach these big games but we have to start winning them and lift some trophies for this club,” he added.
Elsewhere, United’s bitter rivals in Manchester City also booked their spot at the semis with a thumping 4-1 victory over the hapless Arsenal, which sets up an enticing Manchester Derby matchup to kick off 2021.
Here at SBOTOP, let us examine on how the Red Devils did it with last night’s set of EFL Cup 2020 highlights.
Highlights of the game
Manchester United’s Anthony Martial celebrates scoring their second goal
Fresh from their comprehensive victory over Leeds United, Manchester United’s confidence and EFL Cup 2020 odds to win in this match are both sky high.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to make lineup changes to give others a rest, and his side began with great intensity although they had a hard time cracking Everton’s defence early on.
On seven minutes, Paul Pogba delivered a backheel pass to Donny van de Beek, but the latter’s shot was parried away from close range.
Edinson Cavani tried to punch one in from the subsequent corner, but the offside flag was raised.
In the 16th minute, Cavani tried his luck once more when he received a volley from Alex Telles, but the Uruguayan striker was denied twice at the back post.
Mason Greenwood and Paul Pogba had their share of attempts as well, but their efforts were gone to naught.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the first chance for the Toffees when he went at Dean Henderson during the 35th minute, but the United goalkeeper stood his ground.
Gylfi Sigurdsson’s set piece was on target two minutes later, but Henderson tipped the ball out of bounds.
United continued to pressure the hosts but the needed touch in the final third was yet to be found.
Early in the second half, Cavani controlled the ball on to his chest and turned to shoot, but Robin Olsen was there to block it away.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial late to add more firepower for the Red Devils and this move paid dividends.
Anthony Martial casually passed the ball to Edinson Cavani, and the summer signing carved his way into the penalty area for a screamer in the 88th minute.
After a successful defencive effort late, the Red Devils counterattacked and Anthony Martial sealed the deal with a cool finish after receiving a through-ball from Marcus Rashford.
Key statistics
The Red Devils had their way all evening against the Toffees.
Manchester United had 19 total shots with eight of them on target, while Everton only had seven and three.
In what was a scrappy affair, the referees handed out four yellow cards to Paul Pogba, Axel Tuanzebe, Luke Shaw, and Anthony Martial.
United remain excellent on the road with 14 straight victories, and they are now unbeaten in 20 domestic fixtures in all competitions (W18, D2).
Manchester United have reached the EFL Cup semis for the 16th time, which is only second behind Liverpool (17) in the competition’s history.
What’s next?
The Red Devils and the Toffees have two more matches each to cap off 2020.
Manchester United will pay a visit to the King Power Stadium as they’ll lock horns with Leicester City in Boxing Day for the second seed in the Premier League.
Four days later, they will host the Wolves at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Everton will fly to Bramall Lane and face Sheffield United next and then they’ll face Manchester City at home on Tuesday night.
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The post EFL Cup: Cavani and Martial’s One-Two Punch Pushes United to the Semis appeared first on SBOTOP.
