Man City v Everton LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Erling Haaland seals victory
Pep Guardiola’s side replaced Liverpool at the top of the Premier League with victory at the Etihad Stadium
Erling Haaland netted a brace with his first goals since his return from injury to lift Manchester City to a 2-0 home victory over relegation-threatened Everton on Saturday and provisionally into top spot in the Premier League table.
Pep Guardiola’s team have 52 points after 23 games, while Liverpool -- who can reclaim the lead with a win over Burnley later on Saturday -- have 51 points, also from 23 games. Everton are in the relegation zone in 18th.
Haaland, who recently missed almost two months with a broken bone in his foot, netted his 15th and 16th of the season to go clear at the top of the Premier League scorers’ list.
The Toffees’ stifling defence frustrated City before the Norwegian striker finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute when he fired home a blistering shot after a corner kick.
Haaland completed the brace when he ran onto a pass from Kevin De Bruyne in midfield before beating Jarrad Branthwaite and then coolly slotting it past keeper Jordan Pickford.
Man City 0-0 Everton
35 min: Pressure is momentarily relieved when a free kick is awarded in Everton’s favour inside the box for a foul on Godfrey.
Man City 0-0 Everton
32 min: Everton are keeping almost everyone back except the lone figure of Calvert-Lewin.
Everton are alert again, this time to block a shot from Foden.
Man City 0-0 Everton
30 min: Who is going to find the breakthrough in this match? The momentum has mostly been with City, but it will not be easy for them with Everton keeping their numbers back.
Another important block from Tarkowski prevents a cross from reaching Haaland.
Man City 0-0 Everton
27 min: Haaland has a chance, but he was underneath the ball from Doku and the ball ballooned up over the bar.
Man City 0-0 Everton
26 min: Everton have a set piece of their own, half their league goals this season have come from set pieces, but that effort was not controlled by Calvert Lewin and the goalkeeper was able to make the save.
Man City 0-0 Everton
25 min: Doku had a great first touch to get away from Godfrey, but his final effort was blocked.
Everton are doing a lot of blocking of City shots.
Man City 0-0 Everton
24 min: Given his recent form, Foden feels wasted on the right wing, shunted over there to make room for Alvarez and Nunes in the central spots behind Haaland. This time he crosses towards Nunes but it’s a touch overhit and is headed clear. City soon come again, though.
Man City 0-0 Everton
21 min: Foden tries a shot cutting in from the right but that’s also blocked, which gives you an idea of how Everton are defending.
Man City 0-0 Everton
18 min: As I write that, City make a good opportunity first through Alvarez on the left side of the box and then Doku in the same position, but both efforts are blocked. Jordan Pickford has not been required much so far.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments