One could call this success of the “townspeople” ordinary, customary and expected, if not for another record – 10 victories in a row in the new year, as well as a solid lead “City” from the pursuers. Guardiola’s team now has a ten point lead over Man United and Leicester. Calmly, in their own style, without fuss and excitement, the guests coped with the “toffee”, this time even the lucky team mascot remained in reserve – Pep gave Oleksandr Zinchenko a rest, most likely the Ukrainian will play in the next round against Arsenal.
“Man City” indicated its advantage from the first minutes of the confrontation. Foden, Jesus, Silva stood out on the field, Sterling had a good match. Yes, Raheem is often mistaken in the final stage of attacks, but his activity and initiative win over. “Everton” was clearly biding his time, looking closely at the opponent and thinking when it would be possible to carry out his full-scale combination. Occasional attacks with small forces were obtained by the owners, but nothing more. The guests created much more real scoring chances.
In the 18th minute Davis made a mistake and allowed Jesus to reach an excellent shock position, only a little accuracy was not enough for the Brazilian. The zeros on the scoreboard did not last long, something like that was organized by City, the defenders unsuccessfully cleared the ball and Foden was the first to finish. After his shot from within the penalty shell was in the net.
–
To the credit of Ancelotti’s charges, we must admit that they tried to impose their game on the favorite. Several interesting periods gave out “toffee”, and even managed to recoup. Ding punched and hit the post, Richarlison knocked the ball into the net with his knee. There was hope among the Merseysides, at least for the break they left with their heads held high.
But immediately after the referee’s signal about the start of the second half, the Mankunians launched a flurry of dangerous attacks on Pickford’s goal, Jesus could score (Walker gave him a good pass). But the score 2: 1 was made by Marez with a magnificent shot. From the line of the penalty Riyad struck, it turned out a dodging strike into the far corner without a chance for the goalkeeper.
Bernard Silva put a fat point in the confrontation. Again, a beautiful blow from an average distance was obtained by the guests. Here it is worth noting that “Man City” calmly played the ball on the outskirts of the penalty area and prepared their shots. Liverpool simply did not have time to cover the attacking players, bewilderedly watching their maneuvers.
A logical victory for the “townspeople” that strengthened their leadership. Almost killed the intrigue of the fight for first place. Everton are still in seventh place, three points behind sixth, but have a game in front of Liverpool. These teams will play against each other in the next round, and the Merseyside derby is expected with great interest this season.
APL. Round 16
Stadium: Goodison Park (Liverpool)
Head judge: Andre Marriner (Birmingham)
Everton – Man City 1: 3
Goals: Richardson 38 – Foden 33, Marez 63, Silva 77
Everton: 1. Pickford, 2. Holgate, 5. Keane, 12. Dean, 13. Mina (Coleman 18), 10. Sigurdsson, 16. Dukure, 22. Godfrey, 26. Davis (Rodriguez 69), 7. Richardlison, 17 Ayuobi (King 69).
Manchester City: 31. Ederson, 2. Walker, 3. Diash, 14. Laporte, 27. Chancellor, 7. Sterling (De Bruyne 80), 16. Rodri (Fernandinho 90 + 1), 20. Silva, 47. Foden, 9. Gabriel Jesus, 26. Marez.
Warnings: Dukure 28, Richardson 45 – Sterling 67
– .
