Bernardo Silva was the star man for Manchester City, as the leaders beat Everton 3-1 in the Premier League on Thursday evening at Goodison Park.
Manchester City produced another stellar performance against Everton oat Goodison Park, as they dominated the proceedings in a sensational manner. The Toffees tried their utmost best keep the opponents at bay but in the 32nd minute of the first half, Phil Foden’s left-footed strike broke the deadlock for the Cityzens.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were able to equalise within five minutes, as Richarlison was fortunate enough to find himself in the right position at the right time. Lucas Digne was the main architect of the goal, as his left-footed volley hit the post on the first attempt, which was then finished by the Everton No. 7.
Within the first fifteen minutes of the second period, Gabriel Jesus had two significant opportunities to kill the game off. But his indecisiveness in the final third didn’t allow the visitors to take the tie away from The Toffees. However, in the 63rd minute of the clash, Riyad Mahrez put the visitors in front, with a sumptuous strike from outside of the box.
The third and final goal came in the 77th minute, as Bernardo Silva placed the ball to the bottom left corner in a precise way, which was excellently served by Gabriel Jesus. As Pep Guardiola & co. grabbed another three points, it seems inevitable that Manchester City are in a hurry to conquer this prestigious title as soon as possible.
And as for Everton, with this defeat, they’re now hanging on the 7th place in the league Here’s how we rated the performances of both Everton and Manchester City players at Goodison Park on Thursday.
Everton
Jordan Pickford: 5.5/10
The English goalkeeper seemed comfortable in his position throughout the ninety minutes. In spite of conceding three goals, Pickford had showcased his credibility quite well enough on his return in the first eleven.
Ben Godfrey: 5/10
The left-back had a tough task to pull off, and the player had a tireless evening in his favourable position. Won 3 duels out of possible 4.
Michael Keane: 4/10
The Englishman wasn’t able to deal with the pressure since the first whistle. The Everton No. 6 was exposed by the Manchester City attackers.
Yerry Mina: 5/10
Everton have been forced into a substitution.
? Yerry Mina is off injured.
? Seamus Coleman comes on.
Live updates ⤵#bbcfootball #EVEMCI
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 17, 2021
The former Barcelona defender had shown courage in the backline, as he seemed sharp in winning aerial duels. Had little to contribute though, and was taken off in the 18th minute due to an injury.
Mason Holgate: 4.5/10
The player looked vulnerable for most parts of the affair. Looked uncomfortable in the centre-back position, as he had to switch his position after the departure of Yerry Mina.
Lucas Digne: 6.5/10
The Frenchman played the game as a left winger in this tie, and yet again he had displayed his authority through his blistering runs. Probably the best player on the pitch for The Toffees.
Tom Davies: 5.5/10
The player had to maintain the stability in the centre of the park, and he was trying to cut off the attacking threats of the visitors as well. He made 4 interceptions and 4 recoveries in this tie.
Abdoulaye Doucoure: 5/10
The 28-years-old had a sluggish period in this crucial affair, as he was not able to maintain the pressure in the midfield region. The player lost 6 duels out of 10.
Alex Iwobi: 6/10
The player was able to make key passes through his channel and was involved in the sole goal of the hosts. Iwobi completed 4 dribbles, which was the most on the evening.
Gylfi Sigurdsson: 4/10
The veteran seemed sluggish in most parts of the ninety minutes, and he will surely be disappointed after such a performance. Manchester City should be thankful to him for the third goal, as the player was too slow to respond in that phase.
Richarlison: 6/10
RICHARLISON RESPONDS!
The Brazilian is in the right place at the right time to level up for @Everton!#PLonPrime #EVEMCI pic.twitter.com/T6iYTXOjpz
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) February 17, 2021
The Brazilian forward was tireless in his efforts, as he was desperately trying to pull the strings in crucial situations of the clash. Scored the only goal for the Everton.
SUBSTITUTES
Seamus Coleman: 5.5/10
After his introduction in the 18th minute of the game, the player was able to adapt the role within no time. Although, Coleman was unlucky with the first goal.
James Rodriguez: 4.5/10
Came on as a substitute in the 69th minute. Had little time to salvage something for his team, but wasn’t able to do so.
Josh King: 4.5/10
Came on in replace of Tom Davies in the 69th minute. The player was not able to influence the game.
Manchester City
Ederson Moraes: 6.5/10
The Brazilian goalkeeper’s distribution ability was yet again at its top tune. He was fumbling a bit in his decision-making in the first half, but as the game progressed, he seemed confident.
Joao Cancelo: 7/10
The Portuguese international put up a formidable display yet again, as he was dictating the game through the left channel. The player completed 85 passes out of possible 94.
Aymeric Laporte: 6/10
Laporte needed to be more decisive on his task, as his lack of awareness was often visible. The Frenchman has to be consistent if he is to become a regular in the side in upcoming fixtures.
Ruben Dias: 6.5/10
The Manchester City No. 3 stood firm on and ensured the stability at the back. He was able to win 5 duels out of 9, although his positioning could have better on occasions.
Kyle Walker: 6/10
The English right-back was venturing forward on his flank with ease. But on certain occasions, he allowed the hosts to pose threats, which needs to be resolved for the upcoming games.
Phil Foden: 7/10
The young Englishman has done a commendable job this term and was once again maintaining the pace in the middle. Foden snatched the crucial opening goal, and he was influential in going forward.
12 – The only players to score more top-flight league goals under Pep Guardiola in his managerial career before turning 21 than Phil Foden (12) are Bojan and Gabriel Jesus (16 each). Advanced. pic.twitter.com/XvFx5N8ygc
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 17, 2021
Rodri: 7.5/10
Commanding the midfield with superiority has been a trademark asset of the Spanish midfielder, as he displayed yet another disciplined approach towards his task. The player completed 8 recoveries, and along with that, he completed 89 passes out of 100.
Bernardo Silva: 8.5/10
The man of the hour for Manchester City, as the No. 20 dominated the proceedings with aplomb. With an assist and a splendid goal, the Portuguese was the architect of Manchester City’s victory.
Bernardo Silva vs @Everton:
1 Goal
1 Assist
2 Key Passes
74 Touches
62 Passes
96.8% Pass Accuracy
3 Shots
3 Accurate Long Balls
1 Interception? ?????????? ??????????. ??? @BernardoCSilva pic.twitter.com/r9n89p73tR
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) February 17, 2021
Raheem Sterling: 6/10
A not so impressive outing for the Englishman, as he was struggling to make an impact in the game. Lost the ball on 6 occasions, which indicates his dodgy approach.
Gabriel Jesus: 6/10
The Brazilian forward needed to be more clinical in front of the goal. In spite of providing an assist to Bernardo Silva, the No. 9 was not able to penetrate the defence in the final third region.
Riyad Mahrez: 8.5/10
Riyad Mahrez vs @Everton:
1 Goal
67 Touches
52 Passes
88.5% Pass Accuracy
8 Crosses
3 Shots? He brought the ?????. ??? @Mahrez22 pic.twitter.com/g7fv43Osvm
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) February 17, 2021
Mahrez yet again fulfilled his duty in a sublime manner in the right-wing territory, as he successfully managed to pull the strings in the attacking zone to wreak havoc in The Toffees’ backline. Slaughtered the ball back into the net with a brilliant finish for the second goal.
SUBSTITUTES
Kevin De Bruyne: N/A
Came on as a substitute to replace Raheem Sterling, who was in a yellow. Helped his side to across the line.
Fernandinho: N/A
Late substitute for Rodri.
