Premier League GW24 - Man City vs Everton

Man City vs Everton | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Manchester City sought to build on their recent winning run against an Everton team that was worried about relegation in a crucial match at the Etihad Stadium. With City aiming for the Premier League's top spot, the setting was set for a thrilling match.

Man City:

City comes into this match riding a nine-game winning streak in all competitions. Since a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in early December, they have gone 12 games without a loss. In what is starting to look like an exciting title race, Pep Guardiola's team overcame a goal behind to defeat Brentford 3-1 on Monday. With a game remaining, they are just two points behind leaders Liverpool.

Everton:

With one game remaining, Everton are in 18th place, one point behind Luton Town in 17th, and struggling at the other end of the table. The Toffees have lost all six of their league games, including a 3-1 home loss against today's opponents in December. They have also drawn their last three league games, which is not helping their cause given a 10-point deduction they still expect to be at least partially overturned.

Line ups:

MANCHESTER CITY XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake; Matheus Nunes, Rodri; Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, Jeremy Doku; Erling Haaland.

Man City subs: Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Stefan Ortega, Bernardo Silva, Josko Gvardiol, Oscar Bobb, Jacob Wright, Rico Lewis.

EVERTON XI (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Ben Godfrey, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko; Idrissa Gueye, James Garner; Ashley Young, Jack Harrison, Dwight McNeil; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Everton subs: Nathan Patterson, Michael Keane, Amadou Onana, Joao Virginia, Beto, Seamus Coleman, Youssef Chermiti, Mackenzie Hunt, Lewis Dobbin.

Etihad Stadium | Picture Credits: The Guardian

First Half: Defensive Solidity Prevails

For the first forty-five minutes, it was a defensive struggle, and neither team was able to break the tie. Usually strong offensively, City struggled to settle into a rhythm, and Everton's tenacity kept Guardiola's team at bay. Although City's feeble penalty request created a brief window of opportunity, the first half ended in a goalless draw.

Second Half: Haaland Unleashes Thunder - City Takes the Lead

The 71st minute brought a break in the monotony with the breakthrough. Erling Haaland intercepted a feeble clearing that resulted from a corner that Dias headed down. The prolific scorer beat Jordan Pickford's attempt at a save with a powerful blast. The first goal was attributed to Ake, demonstrating Haaland's clinical finishing ability.

Guardiola breathed new life into City's offence with his calculated substitution of Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne planned a counterattack in the 85th minute, providing Haaland with food. With aplomb, the Norwegian striker sidestepped opponents and placed the ball past Pickford for his second goal. Haaland was deadly even on a bad day, sealing City's 2-0 advantage.

Drama was added in the form of a late Everton goal that was disallowed because Beto was judged offside. With the victory, City went on to take the lead in the Premier League. Haaland's brace demonstrated his ability to score goals and highlighted City's tenacity even up against a tenacious Everton team. The title race heats up as City gets ready for a pivotal matchup with Chelsea.

City on the Summit

With their 2-0 victory over Everton, Manchester City has cemented their place atop the Premier League. Guardiola's team played with patience and effectiveness in the pivotal moments, despite a slow start. De Bruyne's contribution off the bench and Haaland's expert finishing were crucial in securing the three points. The championship campaign goes on, and City is up for the trials that lie ahead.

It was a goalless first half as both the teams struggled to score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Haaland scored a goal and broke the deadlock for Man City | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Haaland scored one more goal and gave Man City a strong 2-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website