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Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored with the last kick of the game in the 95th minute to earn Everton the most dramatic of points against Manchester United.
The England striker prodded home from six yards after Lucas Digne’s free-kick was flicked on by Michael Keane and forced me into a total re-write of this report, with much of my criticism thrown straight into the bin!
Scott McTominay’s header looked to have earned all three points for the Red Devils in a topsy-turvy game that saw Everton fightback from two goals down.
It is a draw that feels like a win and gives the players huge momentum going into their midweek FA Cup clash against Tottenham.
Carlo Ancelotti made three changes from the win at Leeds, with James Rodriguez, Tom Davies and Michael Keane returning to the side.
They made a promising start, with what looked like a diamond formation troubling United and creating some promising positions, albeit without creating any chances.
They also restricted the Red Devils at the other end, with a Mason Greenwood shot wide of the post their only real opportunity in the first 20 minutes.
Sadly all that work was undone with some slack, sloppy play.
After Abdoulaye Doucoure gave the ball away cheaply the ball eventually fell to Marcus Rashford, who wasn’t closed down, and his cross was headed home by Cavani, who had ghosted in behind Keane.
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Everton collapsed after that. They weren’t being cut through at will, but they seemed to completely abandon their game plan and were incapable of keeping hold of the ball
United were forced into a change when Paul Pogba pulled up with a thigh injury and was replaced by Fred.
The Toffees had a half-opportunity when a blocked clearance fell to Richarlison with David de Gea out of position, but his curling effort was off target.
Minutes later it was 2-0.
Everton once again decided against closing Bruno Fernandes down and the Portuguese took full advantage, firing a howitzer of a shot that bent and dipped beyond a sprawling Olsen.
Calvert-Lewin could have brought Everton back into the game seconds before the break when he latched onto a long pass, but he drilled the ball wide.
United nearly extended their lead right at the start of the second half when Olsen parried away Luke Shaw’s effort.
Seconds later, Everton made a stunning comeback.
First, Davies’ through ball found Calvert-Lewin and his stabbed effort from a tight angle was only parried by De Gea into the path of Doucoure, who scrambled home.
Then, three minutes later, Doucoure’s lay-off in the box was beautifully controlled by James, whose second touch was a sweetly struck half volley into the corner.
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United looked a little groggy after that double strike, but they eventually carved out another chance for Rashford, but Olsen did well to stay big and block his shot.
With 20 minutes remaining, United re-took the lead.
Luke Shaw’s free-kick from the left was flicked towards goal by McTominay and Olsen couldn’t keep it out.
The Swede has done little wrong in a Toffees shirt this season, but he let himself down here. McTominay’s header had little power on it but Olsen’s feet feet seemingly got stuck in the turf and he could only parry it into the net.
United continued to pile forward and created yet another opportunity for Rashford, but his shot on the turn could only flash wide. Fernandes then sent a free-kick over from the edge of the box.
Everton did have chances in the closing stages. Lucas Digne hit the outside of the post with a low drive that De Gea looked to have covered. Richarlison then shot wide when well placed after a decent ball by Calvert-Lewin.
The game looked to be slipping away until Everton won a free-kick just inside the United half in the 95th minute. Digne’s launched it forward and Calvert-Lewin was alert to chest down Keane’s flick on and prod beyond De Gea.
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