Everton’s Old Trafford curse continued on Sunday, with hosts Manchester United edging them out 2-1 in a keenly contested clash.
The Merseysiders have only won twice at the Theater of Dreams since 1992, and their poor record continued as French winger Anthony Martial singlehandedly called the shots.
The former Monaco ace won a penalty, which Paul Pogba converted, before curling in a spectacular effort from outside the box in the second-half.
Everton right-back Seamus Coleman had a game to forget as the Frenchman ran him ragged all-evening, but would things have been different had manager Marco Silva played Jonjo Kenny instead?
At 30, Coleman is nearing the end of his career, and while he brings experience to the table, the Irishman just couldn’t keep up with Martial’s pace and direct style.
Even though Theo Walcott didn’t offer the veteran defender much help, the 21-year-old Kenny might have been a wise choice for the clash for so many reasons.
The Englishman has already played four league games this season, offering an assist, and would have been a perfect match for Martial given his youthfulness and tirelessness.
The French winger exploited Everton’s weakness against United – Coleman – and it gave the hosts all three points.
Silva’s decision to play him ahead of Kenny definitely backfired spectacularly, and while the Portuguese is a top tactician, he got this one decision wrong.
Here is how some fans reacted to the Martial versus Coleman battle:
Coleman when he saw martial running towards him pic.twitter.com/g1tzqWnVXj— J (@UtddJ) October 29, 2018
Coleman can’t cope against Martial here but we’re not allowed to say that because he’s Everton— Everton Fans Corner (@EFCFansCorner_) October 28, 2018
That 2nd goal coleman is covering in the middle and Walcott is just standing their looking at Martial, my previous tweet about Coleman still stands but Walcott needs to help, Poor from him yet again. #EFC #Everton— Kev (@kjwhitey) October 29, 2018
Martial has Coleman shaking— GET JOSE MURINHO OUTTA MY CLUB (@Lordofgap) October 28, 2018
Martial vs Coleman is just unfair ?— Obviously (@Obvious_Lee_me) October 28, 2018
Martial tearing Coleman a new one…— Marty Graves (@marty_mcfly27) October 28, 2018
Coleman is getting roasted by Martial here ?— Martin Watkins (@Martin_Watkins7) October 28, 2018
Seamus Coleman is going to see Anthony Martial in his dreams tonight. Can’t get anywhere near him at the moment and looks scared every time he gets the ball. pic.twitter.com/KL0OXyOI0O— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) October 28, 2018
Everton next Premier League fixtures will be at home against Brighton & Hove Albions before they travelled to Stamford Bridge to take on Mauricio Sarri’s Chelsea side.
