Connect with us

Match Coverage

Match Report and Player Ratings: Everton 1-3 Manchester City (Premier League)

Published:

22:25

on

| Last Updated:

22:28

on

Manchester City won their first game as the reigning Champions of the World with a 3-1 victory over Everton away at Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

Manchester City moved back into the top four with a 3-1 comeback victory at Goodison Park, as the Sky Blues won just their second Premier League game since November.

A long-range effort from Phil Foden, a penalty converted by Julian Alvarez and Bernardo’s late dink were enough to complete the second-half comeback and take all three points from the Toffees.

There was an early chance for the newly-crowned World Champions after a beautiful switch of play from Kyle Walker. A quick succession of shots from Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez had the Everton defenders scrambling and Pickford was forced to make the save.

The England goalkeeper was needed again and provided a double save for the Evertonians to keep the game goalless. Matheus Nunes’ effort was parried and Alvarez’s follow-up was deflected wide by the goalkeeper’s boot.

After having just 27% possession, Everton took the lead through former Manchester City player Jack Harrison. A rare loose pass from Rodri was pounced on by Dwight McNeil who squared the ball to Harrison and he tapped it past Ederson for the opening goal.

John Stones made a great recovering challenge as Beto seemed to be through on goal but the defender did well to stop him, despite the late flag for offside. Stones may have picked up an injury from this challenge as he was struggling and was substituted just before the half-time whistle.

Seven minutes into the second-half, Foden got the equaliser for Manchester City with a tremendous strike from distance. The academy product found space outside of the penalty area and smashed the ball past Jordan Pickford at the near post.

Pep Guardiola’s side were then awarded a penalty in the 62nd minute after Nathan Ake’s shot was blocked by the arm of Amadou Onana. Alvarez stepped up and the World Cup winner found the back of the net to give City the lead.

The Cityzens scored a late third to secure a vital three points with Bernardo Silva the goalscorer. Jordan Pickford’s clearance was deflected off Alvarez’s boot to the Portuguese international who dinked the ball into the empty net to seal the victory for Manchester City.

This win means that City go back to fourth place in the Premier League and will return to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since being crowned World Champions to host Sheffield United on Saturday.

Player Ratings

Ederson – 7

Great distribution short or long distance. Couldn’t do much about the goal.

Nathan Ake – 6

Had a quiet game with Grealish on the left side. Not much to do but won the penalty for Alvarez’s goal.

Manuel Akanji – 4.5

Sloppy in possession. Gave the ball away too many times and gave Everton the confidence to press.

John Stones – 6

Played a deeper role today and was having a decent game until his injury forced the substitution.

Kyle Walker – 6

Looked good on the ball and was comfortable going forward. Defended well when needed.

Rodri – 6

Was at fault for Everton’s goal and gave the ball away a lot more than usual. Had a few rogue efforts off-target, but was better in the second half.

Matheus Nunes – 6

Been quiet and struggled to create chances in their third. The tight defence kept him out.

Bernardo Silva – 8

Tried to get on the ball and dictate the attacks from the right. Got the assist for Foden’s goal, and took his goal well with a lovely finish into the empty net.

Jack Grealish – 6

Had a strong opening twenty minutes but was quiet for the rest of the game.

Phil Foden – 8.5 (MOTM)

Scored a great goal to equalise and kept trying to break through the Everton defence for the whole 90 minutes.

Julian Alvarez – 7

Tucked the penalty away to give City the lead and helped create the thrid goal with his pressure on Pickford.

Substitutes

Josko Gvardiol – 6

Didn’t have to do much defensively but worked well in combining with Grealish on the left.

Mateo Kovacic – 6

Calmed the game down in midfield but didn’t create much going forward.

Related Topics:

Trending