Moyes backs Gueye after slapgate as ten-man Everton nick famous Old Trafford win

Only in the Premier League could a teammate tiff turn into the decisive talking point of a landmark away win. Everton pinched a gutsy 1-0 at Old Trafford despite Idrissa Gueye seeing red after just 13 minutes for a daft flash at Michael Keane. And here’s the kicker: David Moyes didn’t just excuse it — he practically embraced it as the edge he wants in his squad.

The flashpoint that stunned Old Trafford

United broke, Everton’s defending frayed, and in the heat of the moment Gueye and Keane squared up. The Senegalese midfielder flicked an arm, catching Keane in the face — more petulant than powerful, but enough for the referee to whip out a straight red. Replays showed contact, however light, and by the letter of the law the official had every excuse. Keane and Jordan Pickford didn’t argue the toss; they ushered Gueye towards the tunnel and got on with the job.

Moyes’ verdict: fire in the belly, not a problem

Moyes’ post-match stance was clear: he wanted a cooler head, yes, but he’s not in the business of sanitising hunger. He felt the referee could have taken a beat, calmed the situation, and kept 22 on the pitch. He also made the broader point: winning teams police themselves, standards matter, and sometimes that boils over between mates. Inside the dressing room, Gueye apologised to everyone and saluted the shift his teammates put in.

Was the red the right call?

By the book, you can’t raise a hand — even at your own player — and expect to get away with it. Common sense might say a stern word and a couple of yellow cards would have sufficed. Truth is, either outcome wouldn’t have sparked outrage. But the decision did Everton a strange favour: it simplified the plan. Two tight banks, pure graft, and one ruthless moment at the other end. United, meanwhile, huffed and puffed without the guile to turn the screw.

Tactical fallout: ten men, one mindset

From the moment the card came out, Everton’s approach wrote itself. The back line stayed narrow, the wingers tracked like full-backs, and every set-piece became a breather. It wasn’t pretty — it was pragmatic. And on a night that marked Moyes’ first success at Old Trafford as the away gaffer, the visitors showed the sort of resilience that managers dine out on for weeks.

What it means for Moyes and Everton

Moyes deserves credit for fronting up for his midfielder. If they’d lost, his tone might have been cooler, sure. But you can’t fault the togetherness. Still, the suspension stings: Gueye is set to miss Newcastle (H), Bournemouth (A) and Nottingham Forest (H). Circle 13 December for a potential return at Chelsea — and then it’s off to AFCON for Senegal from the 21st, which stretches the calendar even further.

Who replaces Gueye?

There isn’t a carbon copy in the squad. Tim Iroegbunam is the closest in profile, but this likely becomes a collective fix — tweak the press, shave five yards off the line, and lean on the centre-backs to step into midfield when needed. Expect a bit of horses-for-courses from Moyes in this tricky run.

Bottom line

Everton found a way. The red was avoidable, but the reaction was everything: discipline, structure, and a single punch landed. If the Toffees bottle that mentality — minus the slap — they’ll fancy themselves in the fixtures to come.

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