Everton fightback stuns United

Everton scored twice in injury-time to stun Manchester United and claim a 3-3 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday.

With Wayne Rooney, amid allegations about his private life, left out of the squad to face his former team, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side had appeared to be strolling to a comfortable win after goals from Darren Fletcher, Nemanja Vidic and Dimitar Berbatov.

But two goals deep into injury time from Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta produced an extraordinary finish as the home side battled back to claim a point.

The result leaves United in second place, one point behind leaders Chelsea.

Everton made the stronger start, almost taking the lead after five minutes as Arteta’s free kick struck the crossbar. Leon Osman also had an excellent opportunity to open the scoring but fired high over the bar after Steven Pienaar’s shot was blocked.

But with United improving throughout the first-half, it came as a surprise when the home side took the lead after 43 minutes. A bad mistake by Patrice Evra on the halfway line left Arteta through on goal and though his shot was saved by Edwin van der Sar, Osman was able to pick Pienaar out for a simple finish.

Everton’s lead lasted less than three minutes. A quick free kick released Nani to pick Fletcher out at the far post and the midfielder’s accurate volley brought the scores level.

Nani was again the supplier as United took the lead almost immediately after half-time. When the Everton defence failed to deal properly with a corner, the Portuguese winger crossed for Vidic to power a header past Howard to make it 2-1.

And when Berbatov scored with a nonchalant finish in the 66th minute, there appeared to be no doubt that the points would be safe for the visitors.

One minute into stoppage time however, Leighton Baines’ cross found Cahill unmarked in the penalty area and the Australian’s header gave Everton hope.

But even then the goal appeared to be no more than a consolation but just a minute later Arteta’s shot deflected off Paul Scholes to give Everton an unlikely point.