'Fans could write whole book' on unusual Everton moments
- Published
There is a phrase among the Toffees supporters - "Everton, that" - and the trip to Old Trafford was a perfect example.
The odds were stacked against David Moyes before kick-off with his record of zero wins from 17 attempts as an opposition manager against Manchester United, plus the fact the Blues had not won this fixture for 12 years. Then, his trusted captain Seamus Coleman was injured after just ten minutes.
The Scotsman must have wondered what else could go wrong, but no-one was prepared for Idrissa Gana Gueye seeing red three minutes later for slapping team-mate Michael Keane.
To the media, Moyes stated he "couldn't understand" why the 36-year-old was sent off, but admitted he was "disappointed" in his midfielder. Gueye's moment of madness means there is even the possibility he will not feature for Everton again until 2026 as he will be heading to the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal next month.
It also leaves the manager very light in midfield for the visit of Newcastle on Saturday with Merlin Rohl recovering from a hernia operation.
Regardless, as much as the hard-fought 1-0 win made it a historic night, the game will be remembered as one of the more bonkers evenings in Everton's history.
Fans could write a whole book on the unusual moments they have witnessed in recent times: a black cat halting their game at Goodison against Wolves in 2019, Djibril Sidibe forgetting one sock as he was subbed on by Carlo Ancelotti and a protestor cable-tying himself to Asmir Begovic's post.
Now the time Gueye slapped Keane but they finally beat Manchester United will be added to that extraordinary list.
Everton, that.
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