Manchester City Beat Everton to Return to the Summit
Manchester City beat Everton 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League standings. Norwegian striker Erling Haaland was the hero once again, scoring both goals in the 58th and 63rd minutes to give Pep Guardiola’s side a crucial home victory.
The result lifts Manchester City to 16 points, ahead of Arsenal on goal difference, while Everton remains 10th with 11 points after another disappointing display away from home.
Early Threats and Missed Chances
The match started cautiously, with Everton pressing high and creating the first real danger in the sixth minute when Iliman Ndiaye delivered a cross that nearly caught City’s defense off guard. Moments later, Savinho broke through the visitors’ back line but failed to find Jeremy Doku with his final pass.
The Toffees had a golden opportunity in the 13th minute when Beto found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Donnarumma, but he missed the target, leaving his manager frustrated on the sidelines.
City then began to take control, with Savinho and Phil Foden constantly testing the Everton defense. Foden’s corner nearly forced an own goal from O’Brien, whose header struck the crossbar. Meanwhile, Pickford was busy denying efforts from Doku and Savinho, keeping the first half goalless despite mounting pressure.
Haaland’s Brace Seals the Win
The second half saw Manchester City dominate from the whistle. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Nico O’Reilly whipped in a pinpoint cross for Haaland, who rose highest to head home the opener.
Just five minutes later, Haaland struck again, converting Savinho’s low pass with a fierce left-footed finish into the bottom corner. The quick double gave Manchester City full control, leaving Everton with little hope of a comeback.
City in Full Control
With a two-goal cushion, City displayed their trademark possession game, calmly circulating the ball and dictating tempo. Phil Foden nearly made it three with a curling shot, while substitute Oscar Bob also came close but saw his effort deflected for a corner.
Everton, drained of energy and ideas, struggled to pose any real danger for the rest of the match. In stoppage time, Haaland missed a chance for a hat-trick, but it made little difference as the champions comfortably secured the 2-0 victory.
Key Moments:
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58’ – Haaland heads in O’Reilly’s cross to open the scoring.
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63’ – Haaland doubles the lead with a low shot from Savinho’s assist.
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68’ – Foden’s curling effort narrowly misses the target.
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90+1’ – Haaland denied a hat-trick as his shot rebounds to Sharqi, whose follow-up is blocked.
✅ Final Score: Manchester City 2–0 Everton
⚽ Goals: Haaland (58’, 63’)
