The goals of the young star Nico O'Reilly and the Mateo Kovacic midfielder allowed City to cross the finish line against the Toffees, thus bringing them closer to a crucial place in the Top 5 and which will play the Champions League next season. If this victory was a crucial step in the right direction, the battle is far from won: City must be “character” to win its next games.
After the match, evoking a change of state of mind, Guardiola said: “I tried to convince the players that qualify for the Champions League is an immense accomplishment in this country and in this championship. Being in the Champions League is sufficient, to think that it is not enough for us would be arrogant.
Manchester City has had a difficult season
“The one who wins has character; Whoever does not win is for lack of character ”, such is the motto. I am extremely grateful for what these players have accomplished for a decade, whatever happens – this season more than ever, in the most difficult period for many reasons, including injuries.
A disappointing season
“We were more or less stable, we kept good for the next time. We are miles from Liverpool and Arsenal, but this evening, we are fourth. It's in our hands, but we have a final on Tuesday, three home games, two outside, and I hope that we can win this great success and we qualify for the Champions League. »»
Whatever Pep could have said, the drop in points was considerable this season, City's victory at Goodison Park having not allowed the Eastlands team to win that its 58th point of the season and to rise to fourth place. At this stage last year, the Guardiola team was already getting closer to the title with 73 points on the clock. The manager of City has gone through the most difficult season of his coach career so far, but he seems determined to bounce back and prove himself again.
C1 lens for City
There are still five games to the reigning champions to qualify for the Champions League next season, faced with fierce competition from Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Next test: a home match against Villa, fresh out of an impressive 4-1 victory against Newcastle on Saturday April 19.
