Everton fans enjoyed a near-perfect day out on Sunday as they witnessed a 2-0 win over Manchester United at Goodison Park that not only kept alive their hopes of a top-four finish but inflicted further misery on former manager David Moyes.
Referee Mark Clattenburg, having waved away two earlier penalty appeals, awarded Everton a spot kick after Phil Jones handled in the area. Leighton Baines converted the chance to put the hosts 1-0 up after 28 minutes. Kevin Mirallas doubled the lead two minutes before half time, scoring from a tight angle as United were caught on the counter-attack.
About the only bad news on the day for the hosts was Sylvain Distin being substituted at half time after injuring his hamstring.
The win gave Everton their first double over United since 1970, when they went on to win the league title. Everton are fifth with 69 points, one behind fourth-place Arsenal, with three matches remaining.
United, who are seventh on 57 points with four matches to go, slipped to their 11th defeat of the season and were mathematically eliminated from Uefa Champions League qualification.
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
