Alejandro Garnacho etched his name into the annals of English football history with a goal-of-the-season contender, securing a crucial 3-0 victory for Manchester United over Everton at Goodison Park.
The match marked Everton's first outing since a 10-point deduction, and Garnacho's early heroics added insult to injury for the beleaguered Toffees.
Garnacho's audacious third-minute bicycle kick left fans and players alike in awe, as the ball sailed over England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, silencing the fiery home faithful. The sensational strike came from a seemingly innocuous Diogo Dalot cross, with Garnacho displaying incredible athleticism and vision to execute a goal that will undoubtedly be replayed for weeks to come.
Despite United's early lead, Everton dominated chances in the first half, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin testing goalkeeper Andre Onana and squandering a golden opportunity with a wayward header. United's debutant, Kobbie Mainoo, showcased his defensive prowess with a crucial clearance off the line, denying Dwight McNeil and solidifying his presence in the squad.
As Everton failed to capitalise on their numerous chances, their fortunes took a turn for the worse. Ashley Young's challenge on Anthony Martial led to a penalty, confidently converted by Marcus Rashford, extending United's lead. Anthony Martial then capped off a fluid team move to secure the third goal, sealing Everton's fate in 19th place, five points adrift of safety.
With manager Erik ten Hag serving a suspension, United's performance, bolstered by Garnacho's brilliance and the contributions of emerging talents like Mainoo, reflected a resilient and cohesive team spirit. As United climbed to sixth in the Premier League, Everton find themselves in significant peril at the bottom end, grappling with the aftermath of the points deduction and a challenging road ahead.