too timid at Old Trafford

In the end, the scoreline was deceiving as Everton lost to Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. Although only a one goal margin, Sir Alex Ferguson's side was in control of the match from the the start. While the Toffees displayed a high energy work rate defending it lacked the venom and confidence going forward that has been seen in prior matches. David Moyes pointed out after the match:

"The players have been terrific but today we dipped a bit below the energy levels we have shown in recent matches.

"I dont think we deserved to get anything out of it. Manchester United were the better side and our keeper played very well and made some great saves, but whilst it was 1-0 we were always in it and we could have nicked something."

Phil Jagielka may have put it more directly when he said:

“We’re a bit disappointed with our first half performance,” revealed Jagielka. “It was quite similar to the home game (against Man United).

“We maybe gave them too much respect.”

“We weren’t playing particularly well. We created a couple of half chances but we are a little bit disappointed because we put in a below par performance compared to our recent games.

From the start of the match, Man Utd went on the attack and rarely did Everton post a serious launch forward till after the break. However with each attempt the American goalkeeper Tim Howard proved up to the challenge and with it looking like the match was heading to the break Mark Halsey decided we were playing non-contact and decided pointed to the spot after Michael Carrick was nudged by Mikel Arteta. It was a sickening call in my opinion but then again I thought this was a sport of men. However that aside I wouldn't expect anything less at Old Trafford and Cristiano Ronaldo converted from the spot to give Man Utd the one goal advantage. After the break Everton tried to find the equalizing goal but it wasn't there and the match ended as it stood at the break, 1-0 in favour of the home side.

David Moyes added:
"I thought the penalty was a bit dubious but that's what happens when you come to big grounds with big crowds - they can do that. Lets hope our crowd do that on Wednesday night against Liverpool.

"When is there a good time to come to Man United? But We were in good form and confident. I'm not disappointed with how we went about it, I'm just disappointed we couldn't nick something from the game.

"I thought we got in a few times and I was disappointed we didn't make more of it buit credit to Leighton Baines for the positions he got into."

It was clear that the quality wasn't there as Man Utd deserved the points however the penalty call was light in my opinion. To Michael Carrick's credit he was man enough not to go the ground and there are few players to say that of.