Manchester United have today kept the pressure on Arsenal after a 2-1 victory at home to Everton. United went into the game knowing they wouldn't be at the top of the Premier League for this Christmas and they were keen to move to within a point of the Gunners.The game kicked-off with both sides sloppily giving away possession and neither side created many good chances in the opening exchanges. The game really needed a goal, a piece of magic and that came in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo.
His cross-field pass to Carlos Tevez was given straight back to him by the Argentine and Ronaldo shifted it to the left and strook an unstoppable shot that caught a slight deflection off Lee Carsley.
The goal brought the game to life and Everton equalised soon after when Steve Pienaar struck a beautiful left-footed cross onto the head of Tim Cahill and he duly finished to leave the sides level going into the break.
The second-half saw United pushing for a second goal but Everton held out extremely well until Pienaar stupidly brought down Giggs in the box. Referee Howard Webb had no other option but to point to the spot and Ronaldo stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to send the United fans home happy.
I was impressed with Everton today and it was a real shame that one player had to ruin it for them. Pienaar has been terrific since arriving at Goodison in the summer but unfortunately today he just made a poor decision. Good result for United and that definitely sets us up for a tasty Christmas.
