PL: Manchester City overthrow Everton

A reunion under pressure. A little less than two weeks after their last match in the Premier League, a draw against Palace, Manchester City returned to English pitches. Having just been crowned club world champions in Saudi Arabia, Pep Guardiola’s men went to Everton with the need to correct the bad and unusual series of the moment (1 victory in the last 6 championship matches), especially with their two games in hand, they were already 8 points behind Liverpool at kick-off. Still without Haaland or De Bruyne, the Cityzens had understood the urgency of the situation and started this evening strong. We needed a vigilant Pickford in front of Alvarez (4th), then this double opportunity from Nunes and Alvarez (14th), and finally Grealish (24th) to keep the Toffees afloat.

Not realistic enough in both areas, City were punished on the first and only opportunity for the locals, a profitable pressing on Rodri which allowed Harrison to open the scoring (1-0, 27th). The former Leeds player even came close to a double (33rd), while Stones injured his ankle before the break (43rd), replaced by Gvardiol. The evening was starting to take on the appearance of new nightmares but the break was good and the destiny of this meeting changed in a few minutes. With a clear strike (1-1, 53rd), Phil Foden equalized, then Alvarez gave his team the advantage from the penalty spot (1-2, 64th). The reigning champion gained in fluidity and even enjoyed greater success following a poor clearance from Pickford enhanced by a nice goal from Bernardo Silva (1-3, 86th). Brilliant this evening, Foden could have given an even bigger victory if his shot had not ended up on the post (90th+1) but the important thing is elsewhere. Manchester City won 3-1 on Everton’s field and came within 5 points of Liverpool by taking 4th place.