Sometimes football gives you exactly what you want.
And for me, this was one of those nights.
Everton and Manchester United played out a 2-2 draw — and I couldn’t have asked for a better result.
Not because I particularly wanted Everton to get anything.
And certainly not because I wanted Manchester United to get anything.
I wanted both of them to drop points.
And that’s exactly what happened.
It couldn’t have been better
Manchester United looked like they were heading for the three points after Benjamin Šeško put them 2-1 ahead in the 88th minute.
At that point, Everton looked beaten.
But then came the moment Liverpool supporters could enjoy.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles equalised with virtually the last kick of the game.
A stunning long-range effort in the 96th minute rescued Everton a point and denied United the victory.
Honestly?
Perfect.
Everton don’t get the three points.
United don’t get the three points.
And Liverpool stay above both of them.
I’ll take that every single time.
Liverpool are above them both
The important thing is that we’re still incredibly early in the season.
But when you’re a Liverpool supporter, you still look at the table.
And after three games, Liverpool have five points.
Everton also have five.
Manchester United have four.
Everton’s draw leaves them eighth, while United are 11th, with Liverpool sitting above both.
It’s obviously far too early to start talking about league positions seriously.
But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying it.
Especially when the two teams you’re desperate to finish above have just taken points off each other.
The best possible outcome
Think about the alternatives.
If United had won, they’d have picked up three points.
If Everton had won, they’d have picked up three points.
Instead?
They shared them.
That’s exactly what I wanted.
It’s one of those results where you don’t really care who wins because the draw is better for Liverpool.
And when the equaliser comes in the 96th minute?
Even better.
Sorry, Everton
I have to admit, I almost enjoyed the goal more because of how late it was.
Everton had already been celebrating their first equaliser earlier in the match through Tyrique George.
United then appeared to have won it through Šeško with just minutes remaining.
Then Maitland-Niles produced an incredible finish to send the home supporters wild.
For Everton, it was a dramatic point.
For United, it was two points thrown away.
For Liverpool supporters?
Beautiful.
Liverpool just need to concentrate on Liverpool
Of course, none of this actually matters if Liverpool don’t keep winning.
That’s the important bit.
Andoni Iraola’s side finally got their first Premier League victory of the season against Ipswich on Friday, with Alexander Isak scoring twice in a 2-0 win.
That gives Liverpool five points from their opening three games.
Now the challenge is to build on that.
The draw at Newcastle was frustrating.
The draw against Nottingham Forest was disappointing.
But the win at Ipswich was exactly what Liverpool needed.
Now we have to start putting together another run of victories.
And I’ll happily watch United and Everton take points off each other
There will be plenty of twists and turns this season.
Liverpool will drop points.
United will drop points.
Everton will drop points.
That’s football.
But if those two clubs can take points off each other while Liverpool keep moving forward, I’ll be absolutely delighted.
Because ultimately, that’s what matters.
Liverpool don’t need Everton to lose every week.
Liverpool don’t need Manchester United to lose every week.
We just need Liverpool to finish above them.
And right now?
We’re above both.
What a result
So yes, I’ll admit it.
I enjoyed that one.
Everton equalising with virtually the last kick.
United dropping two points.
Everton only getting one.
Liverpool sitting above both.
That’s about as close to the perfect result as you can get.
It’s only the very early stages of the season.
The table will change countless times between now and May.
But tonight?
I’m looking at it and smiling.
Liverpool above Everton.
Liverpool above Manchester United.
And the two of them have just taken points off each other.
I’ll take that.
Absolutely perfect.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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