Everton defeat Man Utd to boost survival hopes

Key takeaways: 

• Everton ensured a priceless win in their contest to avoid relegation as lackluster Manchester United was defeated at Goodison Park.
•  Everton's win came courtesy of Anthony Gordon's 27th-minute drive.

Frank Lampard's team was plunged into an even more profound problem when they lost at fellow strugglers Burnley in midweek to leave them facing the possibility of falling into the bottom three this weekend if results went against them.

In a match low on quality but high in pressure, Everton's win came courtesy of Anthony Gordon's 27th-minute drive, which took a hefty deflection off United captain Harry Maguire to leave keeper David de Gea wrong-footed.

Everton goalie Jordan Pickford made two crucial early saves from Marcus Rashford, and a vital late save from Cristiano Ronaldo. Still, there was rarely any sense of blocking as United lacked speed, failing to break through in another impact to their expectancies of making the Premier League's top four.

Everton demonstrates grit they will require

This could be a massive result in Everton's season, preventing the rot and lifting some dark clouds beginning to gather over Goodison.

Everton's victory was as far from a classic as likely, but it could mean more than so many others this season in the broader context.

Frank Lampard's team stayed in trouble, but this win's psychological lift, which draws the prospect of falling into the bottom three for now, saw an explosion of joy around this favorite old stadium when referee Jon Moss blew the final whistle.