- Erling Haaland scored a second-half brace propelling Manchester City to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.
- For the first time since August 2022, City didn’t get a shot on goal in the first half of a home league game.
- But late in the second half, Haaland scored twice to return to the scoresheet for the first time since suffering a foot injury that kept him out of the game for over two months.
Erling Haaland scored a second-half brace propelling Manchester City to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Everton on Saturday.
A tense crowd at Etihad Stadium watched Pep Guardiola’s team struggle to overcome a tenacious Everton, far from their best.
But late in the second half, Haaland scored twice to return to the scoresheet for the first time since suffering a foot injury that kept him out of the game for over two months.
These were the Norwegian player’s first goals in the Premier League since he scored against Liverpool on November 25 and his first goals in five games across all competitions since he scored in the Champions League against Leipzig on November 28.
For the first time since November 24, City is back at the top of the standings, although Liverpool, who are in second position and one point behind, will move back up if they defeat Burnley later on.
Erling Haaland celebrates scoring a brace against Everton. Photo/ Manchester City
How Man City won the game
Man City went into Saturday’s midday kickoff with a lot of energy after winning their previous five league games.
But Everton’s resolute defense let Man City know from away that they would have trouble breaking through.
The Toffees continued to pose a threat at the other end of the Etihad Stadium even if they appeared to be steadfast at one end of the field.
In the eighth minute, Ben Godfrey was sent through on goal by a deceitful ball from Dwight McNeil, but the Everton defender was unable to get past the charging Ederson.
Man City dominated possession throughout the first half, but their finest opportunity did not come until stoppage time.
After pouncing on a loose ball in the box, Everton center-back James Tarkowski diverted Manuel Akanji’s goalbound attempt.
For the first time since August 2022, City didn’t get a shot on goal in the first half of a home league game.
To the sound of furious moans from home supporters, Rodri’s awful long-range shot soared into the bleachers as City’s frustration grew.
Guardiola substituted Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne early in the second half after growing weary of City’s problems.
In the 71st minute, City eventually broke through their longest wait for a shot on goal in a league game since September 2021 when they finally found some rhythm.
Following a goalless first half, the visitors dominated the first twenty-five minutes of the second half and kept Pep Guardiola’s team under pressure.
But in the 71st minute, they were severely penalized for failing to clear their lines from a corner, which shattered their resistance.
John Stones battles the ball with Calvert-Lewin Photo/ Sky Sports
The ball found its way to Haaland, who scored the vital first goal with an incredible right-footed strike that the Toffees were unable to stop.
Five minutes remained in regular time, and Haaland added his and Man City’s second, dashing Everton’s dwindling chances of snatching up a win.
Haaland grabbed a nice pass from Kevin De Bruyne and used his muscle to get past Pickford and shrug off Jarrad Branthwaite.
Beto briefly believed he had given Sean Dyche’s team a goal back, but the assistant’s raised flag finally disallowed him.
Everton has now dropped all six of their league games, while Man City has already won 13 of their previous 14 competitive games.
Man City will return to Champions League action on Tuesday when they play in the round of 16 against Copenhagen and on Saturday, they play Chelsea in the Premier League.
On Monday, February 19, Everton will host Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
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