Manchester City defied a half-time deficit at Everton FC to turn the game around in the second half
After the 2-1 defeat at Spurs, Everton coach Sean Dyche made two changes to his team. André Gomes and Beto started in place of Gueye (not in the squad) and Calvert-Lewin (bench).
Compared to the 4-0 Club World Cup final win over Fluminense Rio de Janeiro, City coach Pep Guardiola made two changes to his starting line-up. Akanji and Matheus Nunes started in place of Ruben Dias (not in the squad) and Lewis (bench)
Manchester City got off to the expected dominant start and established themselves in Everton’s half after just a few minutes. Pickford had to intervene for the first time when Alvarez tested England’s number 1 in the left corner (4th). The Toffees continued to stay in their own half and were unable to find any solutions against the newly crowned Club World Cup winners, often resorting to long balls to clear.
The Sky Blues didn’t let up in attack and twice gritted their teeth against Pickford, who was first on hand to stop Matheus Nunes with a foot save and then also saved Alvarez’s follow-up shot – albeit with luck (15th). Man City continued to pose a threat and nine minutes later another attacking player, Grealish, tried his luck with a shot to the right corner, but once again Pickford was the final destination (24′).
Harrison puts Toffees in front – and misses the 2:0
Everton, who had not been dangerous in front of Ederson until then, woke up and started to take part in the game. Rodri made a messy clearance into the feet of McNeil, who crossed the ball into the middle, where Harrison easily took the surprising lead (29′).
This was to provide a real boost for the Toffees, who pressed Man City in their half at times following the 1-0 lead. Harrison missed a brace after a corner because Ederson made an excellent save (33′). The Sky Blues survived Everton’s brief spell of pressure and averted a 2-0 deficit
City turn up the heat and score twice
After the break, ManCity naturally committed to equalizing quickly and delivered. Foden took the measure from distance and gave Pickford no chance with his powerful finish (53′). Just a few moments later, the England attacker missed his brace (55). The Toffees were impressed by the goal and were no longer able to keep ManCity away from their own goal. Alvarez was lucky to convert a penalty after Onana’s handball to make it 2:1 for the favorites (64′).
Bernardo Silva capitalizes on Pickford’s blunder
Everton came back into the game as the final quarter of an hour approached, but substitute Calvert-Lewin missed the Toffees’ best and only chance of the second half (75′). Instead, Pickford made a mistake shortly before the end and invited Bernardo Silva to score. He thanked him and scored into an empty net to decide the game (86′). In stoppage time, Foden missed the fourth goal when he hit the post (90.+1).
The win at Everton FC sees Manchester City move past Spurs into fourth place, at least until Thursday. The Premier League calls again on Saturday, when they face Sheffield United at home (4pm). The Toffees visit Wolverhampton at the same time
