Manchester City Returns To The Top Four After Defeating Everton

Manchester City players Bernardo Silva (right) and Jack Grealish celebrated the winning goal against Everton. (X/@ManCity)

JAKARTA - Manchester City returned to the top four after defeating the host Everton 3-1 in the English Premier League match at Goodison Park Stadium, Thursday, December 28 in the morning WIB.

Man City, who had just returned to England after bringing home the Club World Cup, immediately went into a fight in domestic competitions. Just resting for a moment, Man City also had to play a match at the holiday festival.

Man City did get postponed to the match before Christmas because they were still performing in Saudi Arabia. When returning after winning the trophy between clubs by beating Fluminense 3-0, The Cityzens then served Everton.

The result was not disappointing. Left behind, Pep Guardiola's team managed to turn things around and beat Everton who had impressive records in the previous two home games.

Everton beat two strong teams, Newcastle United with a landslide score of 3-0 and then beat Chelsea 2-0.

While appearing in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, this London club actually also appeared at home. It's just this time, Everton was forced to give up Fulham on penalties.

The bad trend continued when The Toffees hosted Man City. They lost again so Everton failed to improve their position.

Sean Dyche's team is stuck in 17th or one strip above Luton Town which is in the relegation zone.

Everton, who have point 16, must be vigilant. Because they are only one point ahead with Luton.

On the other hand, Man City successfully returned to the Champions League zone. They moved up to fourth place by shifting Tottenham Hotspur. Man City also still has one game postponed.

Victory over Everton made the reigning Premier League champions pocket 37 points. However, Tottenham can still reclaim their position if they beat Brighton and Hove Albion, Friday, December 29 in the morning WIB.

In that match, Man City, which has not yet been strengthened by striker Erling Haaland, was hot late. Everton actually appeared to hit the defense of Pep Guardiola's team.

The result was not in vain. The hosts took the lead when Jack Harrison beat goalkeeper Ederson in the 29th minute. The goal started withester McNeil's attempt to cut Man City's ball.

He then brought the ball and released a pass at Harrison. The opportunity was put to good use by Harrison to find the Man City goal. Score 1-0 to Everton which lasted until the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, Man City managed to get up. They began to dominate and press Everton's defense. The visitors' efforts paid off after midfielder Phil Foden scored in the 53rd minute.

This goal came after he received a pass from Bernardo Silva. Foden then fired into the bottom corner of the net which England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford failed to reach.

The 1-1 score made Man City even more excited to add goals. As a result, they turned ahead after striker Julian Alvarez broke into the home goal from the penalty spot.

The penalty was given after midfielder Amadou Onana was judged to have touched the ball. Onana's strong protest was ignored by the referee who immediately pointed to the spot. Alvarez also completed his execution.

Man City confirmed victory after Silva scored a goal towards the end of the game. He took advantage of Pickford's mistake in throwing the ball when it got stuck in front of goal.

However, the wild ball fell at Silva's feet and then fired a shot into the net. Score 3-1 to Man City and stay until the end of the game.