MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Everton defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Monday, slowing the home team’s recent resurgence in an early memorable Premier League game. Everton’s Idrissa Gay gets a red card Against teammate Michael Keane’s attack.
Everton were forced to defend their lead after 29 minutes with a superb shot from Keenan Dewsbury-Hall. United outplayed the 10-man visitors in a one-sided second half but could not find a way past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
“Whether they had 11 players or 10 players, they were the better team,” United manager Ruben Amorim said. “They deserved the win because from the first moment we felt we weren’t there with the same intensity. If they have 10, let’s push the opponent into the final third. We need to be close in transition. We needed to concentrate. We need to do more.”
It was United’s first defeat since losing 3-1 at Brentford almost two months ago, and it was the first time in 47 Premier League games that a visiting team had won at a 10-man Old Trafford stadium.
But the unforgettable story of the night came 13 minutes later.
Gueye was furious after Keane appeared to have failed to pick up a pass inside the Everton penalty box. Bruno Fernandes intervened and sent the ball wide, but an angry Gueye confronted Keane.
Keene shoved Guyet, but Guyet responded by slapping Keene in the face. Referee Tony Harrington gave him a red card for “violent conduct”.
“It was confirmed and confirmed by VAR that the referee awarded Gueye a red card for violent conduct, which was clearly deemed to be a blow to Keane’s face,” the league said in a social media post.
The Senegalese is the first player to be sent off for fighting with a team-mate in the Premier League since Stoke City’s Ricardo Fuller was given a red for a collision with Andy Griffin in 2008.
Manager Dewsbury Hall later called it a “situation”, but downplayed the incident and said what was important was Everton’s response.
“I think it was just a crazy moment,” the goalscorer said. “It could have been avoided, but Idrissa apologized to us all at full-time and gave his opinion. We will move on from there. The reaction from the players afterwards was unbelievable. We could have easily collapsed and easily lost the game. If anything, it made us grow as a team.”
Gay apologized to Keane, his “team-mates, staff, fans and club”. “I take full responsibility for my reaction,” he said.
“What happened does not reflect who I am or the values I stand for,” Gay wrote on his Instagram account. “Emotions may run high, but nothing justifies such behavior. We will ensure that this never happens again.”
David Moyes’ side took the lead 16 minutes after Gueye was sent off, silencing the home crowd.
Dewsbury Hall’s stunning 18-metre strike was a memorable strike for the Everton star, but it was a special moment for the Toffees.
After the goal it was all United. The home team had 25 shots on Pickford’s goal, compared to just three for Everton at the other end.
“I’m going to sleep well tonight,” Dewsbury-Hall said. “I’m really grateful that we were able to get three points.”
Another happy man was Moyes, who, after 18 failed attempts, recorded his first win as a guest coach at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
“I’m very proud of the players and the fans,” the Scot said. “We got over the line with 10 men. We started the ball brilliantly, got a red card and the game changed. But we bounced back. Manchester United are in pretty good form at the moment, so it’s not going to be an easy game. We had some great goalkeeping when we needed it. The players were brave.”
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