United went into this match with 11 consecutive clean sheets, a new Premier League record, and had their sights set on extending that record.

United started with Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, and O’Shea across the back. Park, Carrick, Fletcher and Ronaldo in the middle. While Berbatov and Tevez played up top.

22 minutes in Manchester United could not find a way to penetrate. Every Everton player was behind the ball. And forced United to play and move the ball faster.

Ronaldo hit a shot from 23 yards out  that seemed to roll forever and had enough pace to beat Howard but was denied by the post.

32nd minute Everton too clever for their own good, as Cahill dummys and nutmegs Fallaini only to have the ball roll to the hands of Van der Sar

Although I love Tevez, he was just taking to long for everything in the first 35 minutes. He lost the ball 8 out of 10 times.

And why does Ronaldo never have to defend, he very rarely drops below the half way line into his defensive half, while Berbatov and Tevez were both caught down by the 18.

Penalty given to Carrick rightfully so in the 43rd minute, and Ronaldo converted shooting the ball down the middle as Howard dove to his  right.

Half time

Neville had to come off and Wes Brown took his spot.

Ryan Giggs came on for Fletcher in the 75th and immediately there was a change of pace on the pitch. Giggs just has a kind of presence, its difficult to explain but players respect him. I do believe Giggs is getting a little old to be playing 90 minutes but the way Sir Alex is using him, as a late sub, is brilliant!

And that’s it, 12 consecutive clean sheets for Manchester United!

Unfortunately for Tevez, who finally earned a starting position, this was not the performance he needed. His touches were off and could not find the back of the net if his life depended on it. He hustled, he always hustles, but that wasn’t enough. Lets hope Sir Alex gives him another shot in the near future.

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