Everton shocks United as draw revives race

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

Everton's Nikica Yelavic, center, celebrates after scoring his second goal against Manchester United during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium. AP Photo

Everton twice came from two goals behind to share the points in an extraordinary 4-4 draw away to leader Manchester United that reignited the Premier League title race yesterday.

 The result left United six points in front of second-placed local rival Manchester City, which was to play bottom of the table Wolves later yesterday.

Everton, which last won at Old Trafford 20 years ago, took a 33rd minute lead when Nikica Jelavic headed in Tony Hibbert’s cross as the visitors looked to bounce back from their FA Cup semifinal defeat by cross-town rival Liverpool.

 But United was level before the break when Wayne Rooney, against his former club, powered in a header from Nani’s cross.

 Danny Welbeck’s superb curling shot past former United keeper Tim Howard gave Sir Alex Ferguson’s men a 2-1 lead before Nani’s clever finish on the hour made it 3-1.

 Everton, however, would not lie down and Marouane Fellaini’s first time shot from Tony Hibbert’s cross cut United’s lead to 3-2.

 But when Welbeck teed up Rooney for the England striker’s second goal in the 69th minute, it appeared United had wrapped up all three points.

 Everton though had other ideas with Jelavic scoring his second seven minutes from time and, two minutes later, South Africa’s Steven Pienaar swept in Fellani’s cross.

 United almost won the match in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time but Howard saved from Rio Ferdinand.