Manchester United 3-3 Everton: 5 talking points as Toffees secure a dramatic draw with last-gasp equalizer

#3 Everton are struggling for consistency in the Premier League

After a stunning start to the season, Everton have struggled to string together a positive run of results

Everton have had a series of ups and downs throughout this season, having briefly topped the Premier League table after an impressive start before seeing their form tail off in subsequent fixtures.

Injuries to key personnel throughout the season have not helped their cause, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men making it a frustrating habit of interspersing a positive run of results with unexpectedly poor performances.

Everton’s inconsistencies were reflected in their last five league fixtures, in which they racked up two wins, two defeats, and a draw, leaving them seventh in the league going into this encounter with their form impossible to pin down.

However, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin rediscovering his goal-scoring form and the likes of James Rodriguez and Gylfi Sigurdsson clicking into gear, along with a few favourable results involving teams around them in the standings, the signs are positive for Everton to make a push for a place in the top six and secure European football for next season.

---

#4 Manchester United’s shaky defence under the spotlight once again

United allowed Everton a route back into the game with a series of defensive errors

While most of the recent headlines surrounding Manchester United have been related to their goalscoring exploits, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his men would do well not to lose sight of the fact that their defence has looked particularly shaky all season.

Having looked extremely comfortable in the first half, United’s defensive shortcomings were well and truly exposed in the second as Everton scored twice in under four minutes to claw back United’s two-goal lead.

In fact, United looked to still be reeling from conceding the first goal, which was a result of a weak parry into the danger area from David de Gea, which led to them conceding the second, with a lack of concentration and focus evident across the backline.

David de Gea has saved just 60.9% of shots on his goal in this season's Premier League, only Rui Patricio (59.7%) has a lower save-percentage of all PL keepers with 15+ apps this season.He conceded from all three shots he faced tonight. pic.twitter.com/gKkVdGAedH

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 6, 2021

And, with time running out, it was United’s suspect defence that allowed Everton to snatch the equaliser at the death.

A clumsy foul by late substitute Axel Tuanzebe gave away a free-kick that was not dealt with by United’s defenders, allowing Calvert-Lewin to poke the ball home from close range.

Most Premier League goals conceded at home in the Premier League this season:◎ West Brom (31)◎ Newcastle (21)◉ Man Utd (18)Another three conceded this evening. pic.twitter.com/1fEuyQlAdL

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 6, 2021

As such, while it has been United’s policy this season to outscore opponents rather than to shut them out, there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of defensive organisation if they are to be considered as serious title contenders in this season and the ones to come.

---

#5 What impact could Pogba’s injury have on Manchester United’s season?

Pogba was forced off in the first half due to an injury in his right thigh

One of the reasons for United’s impressive Premier League campaign this season has been the fact that they have been able to avoid any major injury concerns even as several of their closest rivals have been hampered by injuries and COVID-19-related setbacks.

As a result, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been able to choose from his full set of resources while picking his matchday squad, allowing United to establish a level of consistency and familiarity within the team.

One of the stars of United’s season has been Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has put in a series of eye-catching performances from midfield, contributing with important goals, assists, and even tackles in defence.

And so, the United faithful would have been extremely concerned when Pogba was forced to limp off in the first half of this fixture holding his right thigh and grimacing in pain.

Not only did Pogba’s absence arguably shift the dynamic of the game, but it could also have an impact on the rest of United’s season if the Frenchman is forced to endure an extended spell on the sidelines nursing his injury.