Five Things Learned: Everton 0-3 Manchester City (Premier League)

Manchester City extended their lead to four points at the top of the table with an impressive 0-3 victory over Everton, putting them within touching distance of yet another Premier League crown.

It what promised to be a difficult afternoon for the visitors, City made the short trip to Merseyside to face a relegation-stricken Everton on Sunday, with the two clubs fighting at either end of the Premier League table.

It did not take an expert to predict how the game would pan out, with Manchester City having the lion’s share of possession early on, pinning the home side back to their own goal in an attempt to force an opening.

An opening would come through a moment of sheer brilliance from City’s club captain. After a cross was controlled by his thigh, Ilkay Gundogan improvised spectacularly, flicking the ball with his back to goal and beating Jordan Pickford with an exquisite finish.

A third goal in two games for Gundogan would precede a second in two minutes for Manchester City, as Erling Haaland found himself on the end of a cross from Gundogan, rising highest and doubling the visitors’ lead in inevitable fashion.

The goals would not stop there for the visitors, as they added a third not long into the second half. Once again it was Ilkay Gundogan stepping up to the mark, converting from a free-kick, passing the ball into the top corner past a helpless Jordan Pickford.

Silencing the home crowd and killing the game off, Manchester City then played the game at their own pace, controlling proceedings in what was an afternoon of ultimate professionalism from the away side.

Nullifying any sort of Everton threat while punishing the opposition defence in ruthless fashion, Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the table emphatically and gave them the opportunity to win the league title next weekend courtesy of subsequent results.

Here are five things we learned from the encounter at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon!

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Title Race Gundogan does it again!

There is almost an inevitability with certain players in key moments of the season, and Ilkay Gundogan is definitely one of those players.

Stepping up when needed has become a trademark of Gundogan’s, scoring decisive goals in crucial moments of the season. Back-to-back braces in the Premier League emphasised the importance of the club captain at this period of the campaign.

Inching closer to the Premier League title, as well as a possible treble, Pep Guardiola will be relying on his players to become heroes – a title which Ilkay Gundogan has imposed on himself with recent outstanding performances.

“Two more, two more!”

Those were the words yelled by Pep Guardiola to the travelling away fans at Goodison Park, as the Premier League title inched closer on Sunday. Clearly unmoved by the prospect of Arsenal dropping points, the City boss made it very clear that the title was very much in their hands.

Pep Guardiola is prolific for focusing on his team rather than rivals, even admitting he was watching Bayern Munich and golf when asked about Arsenal dropping points earlier in the season. His actions post-match against Everton emphasised the drive instilled by the Catalan coach to be able to not be reliant elsewhere.

With three matches to go in the Premier League, the situation now leaves Manchester City needing just one win to secure their fifth league title in six seasons – an achievement obtainable at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday against Chelsea.

A Champions performance

Coming up against a Sean Dyche side fighting for safety, you are bound to be given a tough afternoon. But the display of professionalism and maturity by the reigning Champions on Sunday emphasised why they are in the position that they are.

Controlling the tempo, the crowd, and your emotions is never easy in a game like this, but the Blues did all three in abundance, amplifying their chances in the quest for a treble this season.

The performance and victory on Sunday highlights exactly why this Manchester City side have enjoyed success in recent years, having accumulated a certain amount of experienced needed to prevail when the going gets tough.

A new contract for Ilkay Gundogan is imperative!

Out of contract this summer and linked with a move away, Ilkay Gundogan showcased another flawless performance on Sunday. The club captain is instrumental in this Manchester City side – something which manager Pep Guardiola has been vocal about.

The City boss has publicly stated his desire to keep Gundogan, stating after the contest on Merseyside, “Nobody knows what is going to happen, maybe he stays. Hopefully.” With his contract up at the end of the season, it seems borderline foolish to let such a vital asset leave.

It has been widely reported that Ilkay Gundogan wants a two-year contract to have stability for himself and his family. Following his recent heroic performances, a new contract for the captain should be of paramount importance for the Blues this summer.

The focus now turns to Real Madrid

Taking it one game at a time, all eyes now turn to midweek, where Manchester City have the second-leg of their mouth-watering semi-final tie against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Victory on Wednesday night would cement their place in the Champions League final for only the second time in the club’s history, with the Etihad Stadium set to be rocking for the blockbuster clash.

It is the start of a potentially historic week for the club with so much at stake, but this group of players will have their focus solely on midweek. An enthralling encounter awaits, as Manchester City continue their hunt for domestic and European success this season.