On Wednesday, after returning from the Club World Cup, Manchester City overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Everton 3-1.
On their return from the Club World Cup, Manchester City overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat Everton 3-1, closing the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to five points. Pep Guardiola’s team was behind 1-0 at Goodison Park due to a first-half goal by former City player Jack Harrison. The team was attempting to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive English premier league championship. However, in the 53rd minute, Phil Foden curled a shot past Jordan Pickford, and Julian Alvarez gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot. The champs’ outstanding second-half performance was rounded off by Bernardo Silva, who capitalized on Pickford’s mistake in the last moments.
Other results included Wolves crushing fast-sink Brentford 4-1 and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke scoring a late winner from the penalty spot in a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace to raise morale at Stamford Bridge after a dismal 2023.
Now back in fourth place with a game remaining against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who have 42 points, City, who had only won one of their previous six league games, face them.
Arsenal, who finished second last season and are now two points behind Liverpool, play West Ham on Thursday.
Guardiola said, “I remind them (of their abilities) every day,” to Amazon Prime. We need to uphold our standards. It increases our accountability, preventing a decline in standards.”
“They proved once more how exceptional they are,” he continued. Though it’s understandable given that it’s all about the outcomes after six games with just one victory, we are aware that people were curious.
With their fifth title of an incredible 2023, City entered the game against Everton on a high following their victory in the Club World Cup last week in Saudi Arabia.
In the Premier League, though, they haven’t had it all their own way lately.
Despite forcing Sean Dyche’s Everton on the defensive early on, City was unable to convert their possession dominance into a lead, and the struggling home team scored a goal when City was unable to clear.
After Rodri gave up possession of the ball within his own area, Dwight McNeil recovered it and sent Harrison a beautiful cross to score.
A few minutes later, Harrison gave the City goal a near double, requiring Ederson to make an exquisite fingertip stop.
After halftime, Everton maintained their lead, but City—still without the injured Erling Haaland—came out firing in the second half.
Foden found himself in space on the boundary of the area and fired a rocket into the bottom corner, leaving England’s Pickford with no chance. This gave them the prize they earned.
Shortly after the hour, referee John Brooks gave Amadou Onana a penalty for a handball; Alvarez hammered it straight down the middle.
When Pickford was closed down by Alvarez and the ball was deflected into his path, Silva scored the game’s final goal by curling into an open net. This gave him all three points.
Everton, who was punished 10 points last month for breaking financial regulations, is now just one spot above the relegation zone following their second straight loss.
