Goodison Park witnessed a tense and tactical battle as Everton and Manchester United played out a 2-2 draw in Matchweek 26. While United were clinical with their few chances, Everton will feel they did enough to win, boasting superior attacking numbers but failing to capitalize on key moments.

Everton Dominate xG, But United Hold Their Own

Despite the 2-2 scoreline, the expected goals (xG) numbers tell a different story. Everton posted an xG of 1.98, while Manchester United only managed 0.64. David Moyes’ side was more aggressive in front of goal, generating more dangerous opportunities, while Ruben Amorim’s men converted what little they created with sharp efficiency.

Everton: 9 shots | xG: 1.98

Manchester United: 7 shots | xG: 0.64

Bruno Fernandes (71’) and Manuel Ugarte (79’) were on target for United, while Beto (19’) and Abdoulaye Doucouré (32’) found the net for Everton.

Match Momentum: Everton in Control, United Strike Late

Everton started on the front foot, as reflected in the xG progression chart. Beto’s goal in the 19th minute gave them a deserved lead after a strong attacking spell. Doucouré doubled the lead in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on United’s passive defending.

United, however, remained in the game despite struggling to create, and Bruno Fernandes pulled one back in the 71st minute. Everton failed to put the game to bed, and a moment of brilliance from Ugarte in the 79th minute leveled the contest.

The final moments saw Everton pressing for a winner, but United’s defense held firm.

Shot Analysis: Everton More Aggressive, United More Clinical

The shot maps tell a story of two contrasting approaches. Everton took a higher volume of shots (9 total, 8 on target), while United were more selective but precise (7 shots, 3 on target, 2 goals).

Everton’s key shot zones: Most of their danger came from inside the box, with Doucouré’s goal (xG 0.60) and Beto’s (xG 0.19) showcasing their ability to create big chances.

Manchester United’s shot placement: Their two goals came from low xG chances (0.14, 0.13), highlighting their efficiency. United had 4 off-target shots, struggling to create clear-cut chances.

Everton will rue their missed opportunities, while United will be content with snatching a point.

Possession & Passing: Everton’s Build-Up vs. United’s Directness

The pass maps reveal how both teams approached the game:

Everton’s possession play: Moyes’ team built from the back, using Garner, Doucouré, and Gueye to link play, while Mykolenko and Harrison provided width. Their ball progression was fluid, but their finishing let them down.

United’s compact shape: Amorim’s side relied on Maguire and De Ligt for ball progression, with Ugarte and Casemiro shielding the backline. Højlund was isolated for much of the game, while Fernandes and Zirkzee were tasked with link-up play.

Everton had 42% possession, with United dominating the ball at 58%, but Everton had more progressive runs (9 to United’s 12) and spent more time in the opposition box.

In the End: Everton Wasteful, United Resilient

This match will leave both managers with mixed feelings. Everton will feel they should have won after dominating xG and shot output, but a lack of finishing quality cost them. United, on the other hand, will take the point as a sign of resilience, despite struggling to impose themselves offensively.

For Moyes, it’s another frustrating draw in a season where converting dominance into wins remains a challenge. For Amorim, while the attack still needs improvement, the team showed character to fight back.

A draw that suits neither, but one that sums up both teams’ seasons so far.