Manchester City revived their hopes of securing Champions League football next season with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park. Despite a sluggish performance for most of the match, late goals from 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly and substitute Mateo Kovacic turned the tide in City's favor and pushed them into fourth place, just one point behind Newcastle United.
Pep Guardiola’s side, who dismantled Crystal Palace 5-2 in their previous outing, lacked rhythm and urgency against an Everton side who defended resolutely. The city's breakthrough came only in the 84th minute when O'Reilly slotted home Matheus Nunes’ low cross, showcasing composure beyond his years. With this goal, the youngster became the fourth-youngest City player to score in consecutive Premier League matches, following in the footsteps of Kelechi Iheanacho, Gabriel Jesus, and Phil Foden.
The win was sealed in stoppage time when Kovacic met a layoff from Omar Marmoush and powered a precise low shot past Jordan Pickford. It was a rare moment of quality in a game where City dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances, finishing with 12 shots and 2.09 expected goals (xG), compared to Everton’s 0.93 xG.
Everton, on the other hand, were left ruing missed opportunities. James Tarkowski came closest in the first half, glancing a header against the post. The veteran defender, who had made 111 consecutive Premier League starts the third-longest run in competition history was later forced off with a muscle injury, a turning point in the match. His replacement, Michael Keane, failed to track O’Reilly’s run for the opener and also gifted Marmoush a golden chance that was denied by Pickford.
City's creativity was limited, with Kevin De Bruyne struggling to impose himself despite being given a free role. His best first-half effort was superbly blocked by Jake O’Brien. In contrast, Everton were more threatening after the break, with Jarrad Branthwaite heading straight at Ortega and Doucoure drawing a sharp save.
Guardiola’s decision not to make changes at half-time almost backfired, as his side lacked intensity and precision. However, Everton’s inability to capitalize on their promising moments and the absence of Tarkowski ultimately allowed City to grow into the game.
For Everton, it was just their third defeat in 15 league games since David Moyes returned. Although their Premier League survival is all but secure, the Toffees missed the chance to confirm it mathematically. Meanwhile, City opened a four-point cushion over sixth-placed Chelsea, who face Nottingham Forest next.
The victory, City’s ninth consecutive and final win at Goodison Park under Guardiola, may not have been pretty, but it could prove vital in a tightly contested race for Champions League qualification. With five games remaining, City still has little room for error, but this win keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish and a 15th straight season in Europe’s elite competition.
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