United blow lead twice, Villa outgun Arsenal as Soucek sees red
Manchester United missed out on a share of top spot in the Premier League after twice throwing away leads in a 3-3 draw with Everton, while Arsenal’s topfour chances are fading fast following a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday.
United looked set to move level on points with leaders Manchester City until Dominic Calvert-Lewin snatched a point for Everton in the 95th minute at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men continued their goalscoring form from a 9-0 thrashing of Southampton in midweek as Edinson Cavani’s header and a sumptuous lob from Bruno Fernandes gave them a 2-0 halftime lead.
But the defensive problems that have blighted United’s chances of a first league title in eight years were exploited by Carlo Ancelotti’s men after half-time.
“Going forward we were very good, but we need to stop conceding easy goals,” said Solskjaer, who claimed expectations of a title challenge were asking too much of a side that finished 33 points behind champions Liverpool last season.
“We’re not talking about winning titles,” added the Norwegian. “This team has come a long way.”
Two goals in seven minutes from Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez early in the second half brought Everton level.
Scott McTominay’s header restored the Red Devils’ lead 20 minutes from time, but they could not hold on as Calvert-Lewin slotted home after a hopeful free-kick into the box with virtually the last kick of the game.
A point aids Everton’s bid for Champions League qualification as they close to within three points of fourth-placed Liverpool, who host City on Sunday.
Arsenal’s hopes of a top-four finish are receding as they remain in 10th after a second defeat to Villa this season.
The Gunners fell behind after just 74 seconds to Ollie Watkins’s deflected shot and were unable to muster a convincing response.
Villa, on the other hand, can dream of making the Champions League as they climb to eighth, five points off fourth with a game in hand.
The closest Mikel Arteta’s men came to a response was a stunning save from former Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez to turn Granit Xhaka’s freekick behind.