Erling Haaland continued his incredible goalscoring form as Manchester City claimed a 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday afternoon. The in-form striker netted a second-half brace as Pep Guardiola’s side closed the gap on title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool and stretched their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions at the Etihad Stadium.
In a tight opening 45 minutes which saw City limited to a handful of half chances, Everton striker Beto had the best opportunity to break the deadlock but he was unable to convert for David Moyes’ men, who performed admirably in the first half.
However, City made the visitors pay after the interval, taking the lead through Haaland after the Norway international headed home from Nico O’Reilly’s cross. And the forward had a second just five minutes later when his low drive found its way past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, taking his tally up to 11 goals in just eight league games.
Haaland almost had a hat-trick late on but he was thwarted by Pickford as City temporarily moved to the top of the Premier League table, before dropping down to second following Arsenal's tight 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday evening. Fellow title contenders Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday.
GOAL rates City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defense
Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):
While Everton played well in spells, they were unable to test the Italian enough.
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
Neat and tidy in possession, he was a solid performer for the hosts.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Set City on their way to breaking the deadlock with a forward burst before feeding Foden with a pass.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
Alongside Dias, he did a good job up against Everton's Beto.
Nico O'Reilly (8/10):
The young defender provided a lovely assist for Haaland's header.
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Nico Gonzalez (7/10):
As you would expect, he saw lots of the ball as City dominated possession.
Tijjani Reijnders (5/10):
Unable to stamp his authority in midfield, he was withdrawn early in the second half.
Phil Foden (8/10):
The midfielder pierced Everton's defence with a beautiful pass to O'Reilly, whose cross was buried by Haaland. He was also involved in the second goal, moving the ball out wide to Savinho.
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Savinho (7/10):
The Brazilian recorded the assist for Haaland's second goal of the day.
Erling Haaland (9/10):
The striker scored his fifth and sixth career goals against Everton, continuing his rich vein of goalscoring form.
Jeremy Doku (7/10):
Looking to continue his fine form, the lively Belgium international was City's best player in the first half.
AFPSubs & Manager
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Brought on in the second half, the captain injected energy into City's play.
Oscar Bobb (6/10):
He was involved in the build-up to City's second, finding Foden with a pass.
Rayan Cherki (N/A):
The summer signing made his return from injury, emerging from the bench late on.
Mateo Kovacic (N/A):
A late substitute, he didn't earn enough minutes to impress.
Rico Lewis (N/A):
Not on the pitch long enough to make an impact.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
Whatever the manager said at half-time seemed to work, as City were much sharper after the break.