It was a case of Deja vu at Bramall Lane yesterday, as the game was almost a carbon copy of United’s home game against Portsmouth earlier this season.
United again took the lead, thanks to a neat finish from Hulse, before another massive keeping blunder gifted the visitors an equaliser.
The first opportunity of any note fell to Stead in the box and after avoiding a challenge the striker shot straight at Howard.
Everton could have been in front just after the half hour mark as Naysmith went on a run down the left wing and crossed to Cahill on the back post. The midfielder’s header beat Kenny but not Davis who hacked it off the line.
The only other action in a poor first half saw a long range effort from Stead well saved by Howard and a poor penalty shout for Everton waved away by referee Mike Riley.
The second half started in a far livelier fashion then the first and it took the Blades just seven minutes to grab the first goal of the game.
Kazim-Richards put in a low cross from the right wing and HULSE nipped in front of the defender to neatly side foot the ball past Howard and into the far corner of the net.
The game finally sprung to life after the goal and Fathi almost grabbed a second for the Blades minutes later. The midfielder played a nice one-two with Jagielka before putting his shot just past the post.
Everton should have been reduced to 10 men on 70 minutes, as Nade broke through the defence only to be body checked by the last Everton defender.
Unbelievably Riley, having allowed Everton both the chance of advantage and then a free kick earlier, let the play go on and Hulse could not get to the ball first as it was cleared for a corner.
United paid dearly for Riley’s ineptitude minutes later as Kenny literally gifted Everton an equaliser. The United keeper somehow managed to fumble a simple catch on the edge of the box allowing Johnson to steal the ball, before Kenny made a second mistake by bringing the striker down.
ARTETA took the penalty, which struck the underside of the bar before bouncing inches over the line to bring Everton level.
The goal lifted Everton and the Toffees almost went in front from an Arteta freekick, but Kenny managed to scoop the ball away from goal.
Deep into the four minutes of injury time Blades fans had their hearts in their mouths as Osman flicked a header towards goal but it went inches over the bar.
United will certainly see this as two points lost rather than one gained. The Blades were looking comfortable at 1-0 until Kenny dropped his blunder.
United fans were left scratching their heads at the incredible fact that the Blades have conceded five penalties to the two Merseyside clubs in four games this season.
The Blades now have a two week break again before they prepare for the relatively easy away game against……….. the champions at Stamford Bridge!
Player Ratings
Kenny
3/10
Had little to do but cost United the game.
Geary
6.5/10
Worked hard and got forward well.
Armstrong
6.5/10
Similar to Geary and a muched improved performance by Armstrong.
Davis
6.5/10
Cleared off the line well and did the simple things.
Morgan
6.5/10
Solid performance from Morg’s until he went off injured.
Jagielka
7/10
Worked hard in the middle and closed Everton’s midfield down well.
Fathi
7.5/10
Went on some good runs and seemed to link up well with Jags.
S Quinn
6.5/10
Solid if not exciting performance.
Kazim-Richards
6/10
Did well after we’d scored but then gave the ball away too much after they scored.
Hulse
7/10
Took his goal well and worked extremely hard.
Stead
7/10
Had a couple of half chances and was perhaps unlucky to come off.
Nade
6/10
Should have had a foul when clean through but had few other opportunities.
Alan Quinn
5/10
Came on as late sub and made little difference.