Premier League GW19 - Everton vs Man City

Everton vs Man City | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Everton and Manchester City squared off in an exciting Premier League match at Goodison Park. It had it all: spectacular saves, exciting goals, and a comeback that exemplified City's unwavering spirit. Everton wanted to hold onto their lead in front of the home crowd, while the Citizens, who had just won the Club World Cup, were keen to get closer to the top of the table.

Everton:

Son Heung-min and Richarlison, the latter against his old club, caused Everton's four-game winning run in the Premier League to stop last Saturday as Tottenham defeated them 2-1. The Toffees are currently one point ahead of Luton Town, who won 3-2 at Sheffield United on Tuesday, even though the club has appealed their 10-point deduction for breaking the league's financial regulations. But as they get ready to try to unseat the current premier league winners at Goodison Park, Sean Dyche will want his team to concentrate on things within their control.

Man City:

Even though City's December journey to Saudi Arabia paid off—they defeated Fluminense and Urawa Reds to win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time ever—Pep Guardiola's team returned to England six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. With Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Burnley, Liverpool jumped to the top of the Premier League, although they still behind Aston Villa by four points and Tottenham, who are in fourth place, by two. That deficit widened to eight points. The Manchester team needs to get better if they are to leave Merseyside with a win after being held to a thrilling 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in their most recent league game.

Starting XI:

EVERTON (4-2-3-1):

Jordan Pickford; Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko; Andre Gomes, Amadou Onana; Jack Harrison, James Garner, Dwight McNeil; Beto.

SUBSTITUTES: Michael Keane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Arnaut Danjuma, Joao Virginia, Ben Godfrey, Seamus Coleman, Youssef Chermiti, Mackenzie Hunt, Lewis Dobbin.

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1):

Ederson; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake; Matheus Nunes, Rodri; Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish; Julian Alvarez.

SUBSTITUTES: Kalvin Phillips, Mateo Kovacic, Stefan Ortega, Sergio Gomez, Josko Gvardiol, Oscar Bobb, Mahamadou Susoho, Rico Lewis, Micah Hamilton.

Goodison Park Stadium | Picture Credits: Football Ground Guide

First Half Drama: Harrison's Opener

In the first half, Everton took the lead in the 29th minute after City made a defensive blunder. After Rodri made a mistake, McNeil quickly set up Harrison, who finished coolly with his left foot from close range. As the Toffees took a well-earned 1-0 lead into halftime, Goodison Park roared, leaving City with significant work before of them.

Second Half: City's Resurgence - Foden's Brilliance and Alvarez's Penalty

With a renewed sense of purpose to close the gap, City began the second half strongly. The visitors made the much-needed breakthrough in the 53rd minute. With a superb move, Foden turned onto his left foot and struck hard from outside the box to tie the score at one. The goal gave City's offensive fresh energy.

As City's superiority persisted, they were given a penalty in the 64th minute after Onana was found to have handled the ball. Alvarez took his spot kick, and despite Pickford's best attempts, the ball found its way into the net, putting City ahead 2-1.

City stepped up their attack as the timer ran out. Pickford had little chance as Silva completed the victory in the 86th minute with a magnificent left-footed goal into the top-left corner. As City produced an incredible comeback, the away end went wild with jubilation.

Foden nearly added another goal in the last minutes as his left-footed effort struck the frame. But City had done enough to win 3-1, demonstrating their talent and tenacity.

City's Statement Victory

With their thrilling victory at Goodison Park, Manchester City has sent a strong message to their title rivals. Guardiola's team showed resiliency by turning around a first-half deficit with an incredible second-half display. Though Everton gave it their best go, City's superiority eventually won out. This game will be seen as pivotal in City's title quest as the Premier League race intensifies.

Harrison's goal gave Everton a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Foden's goal levelled the score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Alvarez's goal doubled Man City's lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Silva's left-footed goal gave Man City a 3-1 lead which sealed their victory | Picture Credits: Premier League Website