BENJAMIN SESKO did it AGAIN, coming off the bench to fire Manchester United to a massive win at Everton that has Michael Carrick’s flying side breathing down the necks of the big boys.
The Slovenian hitman, who rescued a point deep into injury time at West Ham a fortnight ago, was the matchwinner once more with a clinical 71st minute finish that sent the travelling Red Army wild.
And it wasn’t just any goal. The £73.7m forward started the move in his own half, fed Matheus Cunha, then motored 60 yards like a man possessed to meet Bryan Mbeumo’s delivery and stroke home his eighth of the season.
Remarkably, only two of those goals came under former boss Ruben Amorim. Three arrived in Darren Fletcher’s two game interim stint. And now three under Carrick, who has won FIVE of his six games in charge.
This was a proper smash and grab at Hill Dickinson Stadium, mind. A game low on quality until Sesko produced his moment of magic.
James Tarkowski had cleared off the line in the first half after Amad’s effort was only half saved by Jordan Pickford. Everton kid Harrison Armstrong was denied by Senne Lammens, and Michael Keane let fly with a thunderbolt eight minutes from time that looked destined for the top corner but Lammens somehow tipped it over.
The stats tell a grim story for the Toffees: seven home games without a win in all competitions now. They sit ninth, while United are flying in fourth.
CARRICK’S GAMBLE PAYS OFF
Carrick has made just two changes to his starting XI in six games, both injury forced. Lisandro Martinez missed this one with a minor calf problem, so Leny Yoro stepped in.
But it’s what’s on the bench that’s proving decisive.
After United toiled like they did at West Ham, the keyboard warriors were quick to claim the bubble had burst. Carrick didn’t care. With less than an hour gone, he turned to his towering forward.
The finish wasn’t as pretty as the one at London Stadium, but ice ran through his veins when it mattered.
Sesko should have had a second when Diogo Dalot sent him clear in stoppage time. Didn’t take it. Nearly cost United a few nervy moments. But that’s greedy talk when his goals have proven so priceless.
United are now three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for what looks like FIVE Champions League spots. And they’re only three points behind third placed Aston Villa, who they host at Old Trafford in three games’ time.
MOYES KNOWS THE SCORE
David Moyes had that look at full time. The look of a man who knew his side had matched the club he once managed for large spells.
Armstrong was lively. James Garner once of United, excelled at right back. Tyrique George was denied by Lammens deep in stoppage time. Tarkowski, Pickford, Keane reliable, experienced heads.
But that elite level quality? That finishing touch? It costs.
Moyes spoke in his programme notes about chasing bigger targets now. New stadium, new ambitions. No relegation scrap this season. But Everton want more than mid table.
Here’s the thing though, ask Nottingham Forest or Crystal Palace. Juggling Premier League and European hopes without serious resources is a proper headache.
Maybe top half and no more wouldn’t be the worst outcome for Everton’s first campaign away from Goodison. But Moyes will keep pushing. It’s what he does.
UP NEXT
Everton are at Newcastle on Saturday 28 February (15:00 GMT). United host Crystal Palace on Sunday 1 March (14:00 GMT). And if Sesko’s on the bench again, keep your eyes peeled.
