David Moyes has singled out Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens for exceptional praise following Everton's narrow 1-0 defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night. The Everton manager described the 23-year-old shot-stopper as "bloody brilliant" and declared him the "best player on the pitch" despite his team's disappointing result.
Everton's Frustration and United's Clinical Edge
Benjamin Sesko's second-half goal proved decisive for Manchester United, extending their unbeaten run under caretaker manager Michael Carrick and propelling them into fourth place in the Premier League standings. Moyes expressed frustration with his team's performance in the final third, acknowledging that Everton "lacked quality" when it mattered most.
The Scottish manager highlighted how his team controlled much of the game but were punished for a momentary lapse in concentration. "We put in effort to score but lacked quality to get the goal," Moyes explained. "We weren't organised well enough off the ball. I have to praise them [United] for their quick attack."
Lammens' Standout Performance
Despite Everton's attacking efforts, Moyes was particularly impressed with United's Belgian goalkeeper, who made several crucial saves including a spectacular stop from Michael Keane. "Their goalkeeper did a great job, made an amazing save from Michael Keane, looked as if he could take every corner kick," Moyes elaborated.
The Everton manager continued his praise: "The goalie was bloody brilliant for them tonight. The save he made from Michael Keane, the corner kicks. The pressure we had. For me their goalkeeper was the best player tonight."
Lammens' Perspective on United's Defensive Solidarity
Speaking to Sky Sports after keeping a clean sheet, Lammens emphasized the collective defensive effort that has characterized Manchester United's recent performances. "If you work together, if you defend well, if you don't give goals away, then we have players up top who can make the difference," the goalkeeper stated.
Lammens, who joined United from Royal Antwerp last summer for £18 million, reflected on his impressive debut season: "I just try to stay calm, play my own game. I know I have the qualities, I wouldn't be here otherwise. Now I just keep on building, keep getting that confidence. Like today, getting those wins, feeling important, is really important."
Looking Ahead for Both Clubs
The victory represents another significant step in Manchester United's quest for Champions League qualification as they prepare to face Crystal Palace next weekend. Meanwhile, ninth-placed Everton must regroup quickly ahead of their challenging visit to Newcastle United.
Moyes acknowledged the disappointment of consecutive defeats but recognized the fine margins in Premier League football. "You have to win games if you are going to keep moving on," he said. "We've not been doing that as much as we'd like, especially here [at home]. We've lost narrowly to United, we beat them narrowly at Old Trafford earlier in the season."
The Everton manager's generous praise for an opposition player underscores both Lammens' exceptional individual performance and the growing defensive solidity that has become a hallmark of Manchester United's resurgence under Michael Carrick's temporary leadership.
