Meal deal for Darron as Rio offers Gibson free dinner to say thanks for City strike

By Sportsmail Reporter
Updated: 13:51 EDT, 1 February 2012

Rio Ferdinand has promised former team-mate Darron Gibson a free meal at his Manchester restaurant following the Everton midfielder's match-winning performance against Premier League leaders City on Tuesday night.

Republic of Ireland international Gibson smashed home the only goal of the game - and his first for the club - as Everton downed Roberto Mancini's side at Goodison Park.

Top Toffee: Darron Gibson scored the only goal as Everton beat Manchester City

Wayne Rooney was first to congratulate Gibson, who moved to Everton for a cut-price fee after 60 appearances under Sir Alex Ferguson, when he wrote on Twitter: 'Yeeeeeeesssssssss gibbo. Love u kid.'

And that was followed up by Ferdinand, who this morning added: 'Just organising a FREE meal at my restaurant @RossoRestaurant for Darron Gibson!!'

City's defeat, coupled with United's win at home over Stoke, meant the defending champions moved level on points with their rivals.

Thanks: As reward, Rio Ferdinand has offered his old team-mate a free meal at his restaurant 'Rosso' in Manchester

After the game, Gibson said: 'The lads went out and put a shift in and it paid off for us. Everyone defended well, right from Denis Stracqualursi up front.

'It was good to get off the mark and I'll probably be getting a few phonecalls from my former team-mates.'

His former manager Sir Alex Ferguson then commented: 'It was all part of the plan.'

Gibson has admitted his dramatic first goal for Everton had relieved a lot of stress following his move from United.

No stopping that: Gibson (left) lets fly for his winning strike against City

The 24-year-old, who hit 10 goals in 60 appearances for United, told Everton TV: 'It is a great time (to score), especially against them.

'It came across from the left and Landon (Donovan) controlled it. I think he was going to have a shot but luckily he put it in my path and I struck through it and it went in.

 

'It was a great feeling, a lot of stress relieved.

'All the lads have welcomed me brilliantly. They have just made me feel at home and I have settled in brilliantly and I am really enjoying it.'

He added: 'I am just delighted we got the three points.

 

'It was unbelievable, the lads went out and put a great shift in and thankfully we got the result in the end.

'We knew we had to go out and work really hard and try to stop them playing to get any sort of result and I think we did it really well.

'We knew we would get a few chances in the game and we took one.'