Player Ratings: Everton 0-3 Manchester City (Premier League)

An 11th straight victory in the Premier League saw Manchester City extend their lead at the top to four points, following a 3-0 away win over Everton.

Arriving with a clear game plan, the pattern of the play was set from the first whistle with City controlling possession, with Everton happy to sit behind the ball and protect Jordan Pickford in the Everton goal.

It was an unsurprisingly frustrating opening for the away side, personified when Aymeric Laporte had a scuffle with Everton defender Yerry Mina, which saw the Colombian defender hit the deck, miraculously surviving the tap on the wrist he received.

The first big chance of the game came for the home side, as James Tarkowski’s header from a corner landed at the feet of Ben Godfrey, who missed a huge chance from a couple of yards out.

It was a chance which awoke the Blues, as only a couple of minutes later Ilkay Gundogan found himself on the end of a Riyad Mahrez cross, controlling deftly before improvising for the finish, giving City a priceless lead.

𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗚𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗢𝗚𝗔𝗡: It hits different! ⚽️🅰️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/jpDco6hnJI

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) May 14, 2023

A one goal lead which wouldn’t last long, as the goalscorer would turn converter, picking the ball up down the left-hand side for City before finding Erling Haaland in the box, who leapt highest and inevitably found the back of the net, doubling the lead for the visitors.

The two goals in quick succession ended the action for the first half, as City found themselves two goals to the good following a frustrating opening 45 minutes for the Blues.

Starting the second as the first half ended, City came straight out of the blocks and added a third just five minutes into the second half.

A free-kick won by Phil Foden was merely passed into the top corner by Ilkay Gundogan, who grabbed his second of the game and City’s third.

With the three points all but secured, the away side eased off and played the game at their own pace, with a professional performance from the champions to take a major step towards another Premier League title.

Here’s how we rated the performances from the players in the 3-0 away victory over Everton!

Starting XI:

Ederson – 6

The Brazilian was completely untroubled between the sticks in a straight-forward afternoon for the Manchester City goalkeeper.

Kyle Walker – 7.5

Some typically brilliant recoveries from Walker ensured the clean-sheet remained intact, as the full-back locked off the Everton left side in a confident outing from the 32-year-old.

Ruben Dias – 6.5

A routine performance from the birthday boy, with Dias having a comfortable afternoon at the back for City.

Aymeric Laporte – 6.5

Likewise, it was a comfortable showing from the Spaniard who also emerged unscathed without too much trouble.

Manuel Akanji – 6

Starting on the left of the back four, Akanji had a couple of nervy moments in the game. The Swiss international was ultimately comfortable though, as he has been since arriving in Manchester last summer.

Rodrigo – 7

A vintage Rodri performance, controlling the midfield without seemingly breaking a sweat.

Ilkay Gundogan – 9.5 (MOTM)

Composed, controlled and classy, it was another brilliant outing from the ever-instrumental club captain. Contributing with two goals and an assist, the midfield maestro was at the heart of everything good for the away side.

Riyad Mahrez – 7.5

Setting up the first goal was the highlight of another fantastic afternoon by the Algerian. The winger demonstrated why Pep Guardiola has a decision to make in regard to his team selection on Wednesday night against Real Madrid.

Julian Alvarez – 6

In a game which probably didn’t suit the Argentine, it wasn’t his finest afternoon. Alvarez worked relentlessly hard as he does but was rather sloppy at times on the ball.

Phil Foden – 7

It was a tidy afternoon from Foden, who drew the foul which resulted in City’s third of the afternoon, contributing to another huge three points for City.

Erling Haaland – 7.5

A lack of touches has never been an issue for Erling Haaland, who scored with only his third touch of the match after 38 minutes. The Norwegian netted his 36^th league goal of the season – contributing his 60^th goal involvement of the season.

Substitutes:

Bernardo Silva: N/A

Jack Grealish: N/A

Kalvin Phillips: N/A

Sergio Gomez: N/A