Football: Everton 0 - 2 Manchester City

Manchester City edged past Everton to stay in Champions League hunt

Manchester City took a step closer to securing a place in next season’s Champions League with a hard-fought win at Everton, sealed by two late goals.

Author - Macca

Manc Super News: - Premier League ~ City at Everton

It had been a largely forgettable contest until the closing stages, when City finally found a breakthrough. With just six minutes left, 19-year-old full-back Nico O'Reilly arrived in the box to turn in Matheus Nunes’ cutback and give the visitors the lead.

Mateo Kovacic, introduced from the bench, made sure of the result in stoppage time, stretching to poke home City’s second. The win lifts Pep Guardiola’s side into fourth place, four points ahead of Chelsea, who play Fulham on Sunday.

READ MORE: Manchester City 2 - 0 Leicester City

The first half lacked any real spark, with few moments of quality from either side. Everton’s best chance came when James Tarkowski met James Garner’s corner, glancing a header against the post.

City might have snatched the lead just before the interval when Kevin De Bruyne latched onto a counter-attack, only to be denied by Jake O’Brien’s outstanding clearance off the line.

After the break, Savinho’s low effort was well saved by Jordan Pickford, but City stayed patient and eventually made their pressure count.

City's season given a massive lift. Even if they weren't great against Everton.

Manchester City have been regulars in the Champions League for the past 14 seasons, but as the clock ticked into the 84th minute at Goodison Park, that proud run was in serious danger. What followed was a late surge that could prove crucial in the wider context of their season.

Next up is a significant test against high-flying Aston Villa at the Etihad on Tuesday. The result could have a major say in whether City retain their place among Europe’s elite next season.

Under Pep Guardiola, City have set the benchmark in English football, claiming four consecutive Premier League titles, something no other side has managed. However, that grip on the trophy is about to slip. Their reign could mathematically end as soon as Sunday if Arsenal lose to Ipswich and Liverpool beat Leicester.

READ MORE: About Manchester Super News

READ MORE: Premier League: 2024/2025 season

City have battled through a season hampered by injuries, and their performance at Goodison often lacked composure in the final third. It took contributions from youngster Nico O’Reilly and substitute Mateo Kovacic to find a way through a resolute Everton side.

Ilkay Gundogan tested Jordan Pickford with a fierce strike but offered little else in a largely anonymous display. The 34-year-old has struggled to make an impact since returning to Manchester from Barcelona.

Kevin De Bruyne had been the standout performer in the recent win over Crystal Palace, but the 33-year-old looked off the pace here. With his time at the club drawing to a close this summer, his influence on the pitch is fading. Loose passes and mistimed efforts summed up a frustrating afternoon for the Belgian.

Still, City walked away with the points and preserved an impressive record at Goodison Park. They have now won their last eight Premier League visits to Everton and are unbeaten in five top-flight matches. It is the kind of form they will need to maintain if they are to finish the campaign strongly.

Comments

Post a Comment

What else is happening?

Football | Stockport County lose against Leyton Orient on penalties

Image
Heartbreak for Stockport as Orient edge tense semi-final on penalties Stockport County’s hopes of reaching the League One play-off final were dashed in agonising fashion as they lost out to Leyton Orient in a dramatic penalty shootout at a packed and passionate Edgeley Park. Author - Mark Lee After a controversial and tightly contested first leg ended level, the return fixture proved just as tense. Neither side could find a winner over 120 minutes of breathless football, with Orient eventually holding their nerve from the spot. It was Ethan Galbraith who delivered the decisive blow, slotting home the winning penalty after Stockport’s Jack Diamond saw his effort saved and Ryan Rydel struck the post. The match began at a furious pace. The visitors struck early, silencing the home crowd just two and a half minutes in when Ollie O’Neill volleyed in at the near post following a deftly delivered free-kick from Galbraith. Orient looked the more composed side in the early exchanges, but St...
Read more

Rugby League | Wigan Warriors 22 - 20 Warrington Wolves

Image
Wigan edged past Warrington in a Magic Weekend thriller Wigan Warriors reclaimed second place in Super League with a narrow but gripping 22-20 victory over Warrington Wolves in a pulsating Magic Weekend encounter at St James’ Park. Author - Amy W Jai Field opened the scoring with a trademark burst of pace before Bevan French added a second to give Wigan an early cushion. Jake Thewlis responded for Warrington with a well-finished try in the corner, keeping the contest finely poised. Rodrick Tai’s try shortly after the interval gave the Wire renewed hope, but further scores from Abbas Miski and Adam Keighran appeared to put Wigan in command. However, Joe Philbin powered over to set up a tense finish, and Thewlis crossed for his second late on to bring Warrington within touching distance. READ MORE | Rugby League match reports and more from across Greater Manchester  Stefan Ratchford’s missed conversion proved decisive, leaving Wigan to cling on in the closing stages for a win tha...
Read more

Things to do: A walk around Heaton Park

Image
Things to do in Greater Manchester part 1 Heaton Park is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe and remains a treasured green space for locals and visitors alike.  Author - Josh D Spanning over 600 acres, Heaton Park offers a striking contrast to the surrounding urban sprawl, providing a welcome retreat for walkers, cyclists, families and anyone in search of open skies and fresh air. At its heart is Heaton Hall, a Grade I listed neoclassical mansion designed by James Wyatt and dating back to the late 18th century. While the hall itself is only open to the public on selected days, it remains an imposing feature of the landscape and serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s historical layers. From the hill near the hall, visitors can enjoy panoramic views that stretch across Manchester and, on a clear day, even as far as the Pennines. Heaton Park has long been a fixture of Mancunian life. Beyond its natural beauty, it hosts a wide range of activities. There is a boating l...
Read more