Everton Beat Manchester United With Ease

 

Everton made it a miserable return to Goodison Park for former manager David Moyes as they beat Manchester United with ease to maintain their Champions League aspirations. 

Moyes, who left Everton last summer after 11 years to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, was given a rough reception off the pitch and he was offered nothing on it to improve his mood. 

And to add to his discontent, Everton demonstrated their progress under his successor Roberto Martinez. 

By doing the double over the champions for the first time since 1969, this was an impressive response by Everton to the midweek setback of losing at home to Crystal Palace.

Leighton Baines - a summer transfer target for Moyes before he signed a new long-term deal to stay at Goodison Park - set them on their way with a penalty and Kevin Mirallas added a second before half-time. 

Everton, and Steven Naismith in particular, could have added further goals in a win that leaves them only one point behind Arsenal, who earlier on Sunday cruised to victory at Hull, in fifth place. 

Moyes was taunted throughout by the home fans and this was a game that illustrated graphically just how far United, who now lie 12 points adrift of the Toffeemen, have fallen this season. 

The final whistle was greeted ecstatically at a raucous Goodison and will have Martinez still believing his side can finish off an excellent season with a place in next season's Champions League.