Everton suffered their first Premier League defeat in six games as Cristiano Ronaldo's goal moments before half-time proved to be enough for Manchester United to claim all three points at Goodison Park on Sunday.
However, it was the dream start for Everton as Alex Iwobi continued his fine form as the midfielder finessed a curling effort past David de Gea to send the home faithful into raptures.
But the Nigerian's effort was quickly cancelled out by Anthony who, while scoring his third goal in as many league outings, instigated the Red Devils' fightback, which was capped when Ronaldo's 700th strike of his club career sealed a 2-1 triumph.
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Plenty of national media outlets were in attendance to watch the encounter. And here is a round-up of what they had to say.
Andy Hunter, Guardian
The visitors’ recovery was assisted in no small measure by an error-strewn Everton display. Lampard’s team came in with the best defensive record in the Premier League but carelessness in possession weakened that foundation. As Lampard reflected: "There was a lack of edge to our game that is normally there and our calmness in possession can improve. We were off it to a degree in the first half."
Idrissa Gueye was at fault for the equaliser when allowing an Iwobi pass to run under his foot. Bruno Fernandes touched the ball on to Anthony Martial, who released Antony into a chasm down the left of Everton’s defence. The former Ajax winger dinked a lovely finish over Jordan Pickford to register his third goal in three league games for United.
Chris Bascombe, Telegraph
Cristiano Ronaldo did not join the 700 club with his latest extraordinary landmark. He established it as its founding member. Pele did not score 700 club goals. Nor Maradona, Puskas or Muller. Lionel Messi will probably match Ronaldo’s feat later this season. Erling Haaland might do it by next Christmas. Whoever follows, they will be gaining entry into a VIP zone hosted by the Portuguese superstar, his momentous strike sealing Manchester United's 2-1 win at Everton.
For now, Ronaldo stands alone in a career designed by the footballing gods. The home fans jeered him when he made his appearance as a 28th-minute substitute, but no matter what the spectators’ affiliation they will be telling grandchildren they were here to witness a genius at work, consoled at a glimpse of bone fide football history.
Everton’s performance was erratic, exceptional for only the first six minutes. They began with blood and thunder, roared on to cause discomfort for United on the ball and force mistakes.
Richard Jolly, Independent
What threatened to be a traumatic occasion for them, when Alex Iwobi opened the scoring, instead became a triumphant one. Memories of the evisceration by City are unlikely to fade any time soon, but this was a fifth win in six league games and they now find themselves fifth. Over a season, as in this game, they are looking capable of recovering from a troubled start.
"Victory on Merseyside was forged in Madrid. It was a different kind of landmark day for two multiple Champions League winners and former Real Madrid teammates. Casemiro made a maiden Premier League start and it proved a redemptive affair. Culpable for Everton’s goal, he was the architect of United’s second.
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