After suffering a setback earlier in the week by losing to Crystal Palace, Everton got back on track on their quest for fourth, beating Manchester United 2-0.
It was David Moyes' first game back in Goodison Park since his departure to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford and the struggles continued for Moyes and Man U.
Manchester United never seemed to find a rhythm in the match. Wayne Rooney was kept quiet, and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was only called upon twice in the affair.
Everton struck first in the 28th minute on a Leighton Baines penalty after a Romelu Lukaku shot found Phil Jones right elbow in the box. Everton then extended their lead two minutes before the break. On a sweeping counter attack, Kevin Miralles was sprung onside by a Seamus Coleman through ball which Miralles buried across goalkeeper Dave David Gea.
The game showed just how far United has regressed this season. The win put Everton only one point behind Arsenal for the fourth place, and both teams still have three games to play as the race for the last Champions League spot heats up.
Arsenal:
Monday April 28th: @Newcastle
Sunday May 4th: West Brom
Sunday May 11th: @Norwich
Everton:
Saturday April 26th: @Southhampton
Saturday May 3rd: Manchester City
Sunday May 11: @Hull
On the other side, Moyes who was with Everton for 11 years was mocked the entire match. The United manager heard chants of “sacked in the morning” as he left the pitch as his nightmare first year continues. United will not qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 1996 as their terrible campaign continues.