3-3 thriller

By Chris,
September 12 2010

Manchester United threw away two points at Goodison Park as Everton fired home two goals in stoppage time to claim a dramatic 3-3 draw. United, without Wayne Rooney, had looked on course to claim a fine victory following goals from Darren Fletcher, Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov.

Sir Alex Ferguson was left fuming as United imploded in his 700^th game in charge as the Toffees secured a stunning late comeback.

The Red Devils maintain their unbeaten start to the new campaign - but Ferguson will be deeply concerned as his side surrendered their lead in injury time for the second successive away game.

Rooney didn't travel to Goodison Park for the game with Ferguson fearing the frontman would receive too much abuse from the Everton faithful. He may have been rueing that decision on 39 minutes as the hosts took the lead.

A defensive error from wobbly Patrice Evra allowed Arteta to break through and, after Edwin van der Sar blocked his effort, Leon Osman picked up the loose ball and set-up Pienaar for the finish.

United, however, fought back quickly. Fletcher was on hand to nod home a brilliant Nani cross; and the Portuguese winger was the provider again shortly after the break with Vidic's downward header eluding ex-Red Tim Howard.

The game looked beyond Everton's reach on 66 minutes as United pulled off the move of the match. A stunning through ball from Paul Scholes found Berbatov and the Bulgarian took a superb first touch before drilling home a beautiful finish to the delight of the travelling Red Army.

Despite trailing by two goals, however, Everton kept the pressure on and squandered a host of decent chances.

They scored again one minute into stoppage time as United's backline gave Tim Cahill the time to head home Leighton Baines' cross. And, seconds later, Everton were amazingly level as Arteta's lofted shot ensured a deflected equaliser for the Merseyside men. United were shellshocked.

There was almost a dramatic third injury-time goal, too. After Everton's backline cleared a United corner, Phil Jagielka was steaming towards goal before referee Martin Atkinson blew his full-time whistle. Moyes was fuming. He felt the referee should have allowed the play to continue; clearly forgetting the rule that a game lasts ninety minutes!

This was an incredible Everton comeback and, no doubt, Sir Alex will be rightly fuming. Next up is Rangers in the Champions League.

Full Time - Everton 3-3 Manchester United
Attendance - 36,556

Toffees late comeback stuns United

Discussion started by manutdweb.com , 12/09/2010 11:14

manutdweb.com
12/09/2010 11:14

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Rogero
12/09/2010 20:03

That is four points thrown away by careless and lacklustre last minute defending. United in the past have always played until the final minute and have won many many gamjes with late goals and got brilliant draws with late equalisers. Other teams are doing it to us now!!

Bring back RIO !!!

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