EVERTON 2, MAN UNITED 0
The headline ‘Everton humiliate fallen champions’ summed up in four concise words Manchester United’s latest Barclays Premier League defeat.
It was not so much the loss, but the manner of the display at Goodison Park where United surrendered with a whimper.
And the reverse only served to increase the pressure on beleaguered boss David Moyes on his return to his former club.
In fact it was a far from happy homecoming as Everton fans taunted Moyes as one supporter position near his technical area attired as the Grim Reaper.
It was as lack-lustre and lifeless display from United as they suffered their 11th league defeat, a record in the Premier League era.
Not only that but it was United’s 10th defeat from 22 games in all competitions since the turn of the year.
There had been some dark days in a miserable season, but none as bad as this meek surrender against opponents vying for a top-four finish.
Everton could conceivably have won by a wider margin had Romelu Lukaku had his shooting boots on.
And there were the same excuses from Moyes who was blinded by the fact his side had played so poorly.
He said: “We played well in the first half, but conceded two on the counter attack. We didn’t deserve to be 2-0 down.
“We had good control of the game and possession of the ball. We didn’t defend well for the goals, though. That was right rotten, and I recognise we need to be better and so do the fans.”
It was clear from the start it was going to be a wretched day and the only surprise was that it took Everton until just before the half hour to make the all-important breakthrough.
Lukaku cut in from the right and as Phil Jones slipped he handled the Belgian’s shot allowing Leighton Baines to score from the spot.
And it got worse for United as Everton doubled their advantage just before half time when Kevin Mirallas who seized on sloppy defending by Alexander Buttner before firing an angled shot across the face of goal.
In the second half, Seamus Coleman, Ross Barkley, Steven Naismith and Lukaku all had chances for Everton to build on their advantage.
Wayne Rooney, also returning to his former club, had a late chance to half the deficit and perhaps set up an exciting finish, but he was denied by the brilliance of keeper Tim Howard.