The Premier League matchup between Everton and Manchester United on February 22, 2025, was not short of drama, ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The heart-stopping match left fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish, dominated by a late VAR decision that has since become the talking point.
First Half Action
The atmosphere at Goodison Park was electric as Beto lit up the first half by scoring in the 19th minute. His goal was crafted from a powerful strike, originating from a corner kick which saw the Everton striker capitalizing on a momentary lapse in the Manchester United defense. Just over a dozen minutes later, Abdoulaye Doucouré extended Everton’s lead. The 33rd-minute goal was a result of quick thinking as he tapped in a rebound after Jack Harrison’s attempt ricocheted off the post.
United's Comeback and VAR Controversy
Despite trailing by two goals, Manchester United came back revitalized in the second half. Bruno Fernandes delivered a moment of brilliance in the 72nd minute with a breathtaking free-kick that left the Everton goalkeeper helpless. The momentum seemed to swing in United’s favor and it wasn’t long before their persistence paid off. Manuel Ugarte struck the equalizer in the 80th minute, leveling the terms and setting the stage for a tense final stretch.
The climax of the match came in stoppage time when referee Andy Madley pointed to the penalty spot for an alleged foul on Ashley Young by Harry Maguire. What seemed like a golden opportunity for Everton was halted by a VAR review led by Matt Donohue, which concluded Young’s fall was not sufficiently credible, overturning the penalty decision. Sean Dyche, the Everton manager, expressed his discontent with the intervention of VAR, reigniting the debate over what constitutes a 'clear and obvious error'.
The draw resulted in Everton securing the 12th spot on the league table, just a point ahead of Manchester United, who sit at 15th. This match has undoubtedly intensified the rivalry between the two clubs and left both teams contemplating their strategies moving forward as the league heats up.