Manchester City reclaimed the top spot in the Premier League after a 2-0 win against Everton at the Etihad Stadium today.
While not their most fluid performance, Erling Braut Haaland once again made a significant impact in a contest that demanded patience and precision over flair.
His two goals within five second-half minutes ensured that Pep Guardiola’s team maintained their unbeaten streak and remained firmly in the race among early title contenders.
Everton managed to frustrate City for nearly an hour, with Jordan Pickford making several impressive saves to keep the hosts at bay. But eventually, City broke through, leaving the visitors with no chance of a comeback.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Phil Foden delivered a clever pass to Nico O’Reilly, who set up Haaland for a powerful header past Pickford.
This marked the Norwegian’s 23rd goal of the season for club and country and his 11th consecutive match on the scoresheet.
Haaland struck again just five minutes later. Savinho’s quick footwork created space for a low cross, which Haaland dispatched with his left foot. Though not his cleanest effort, a deflection and Pickford’s obscured view allowed it to roll into the corner of the net, doubling City’s lead.
The match had been well-balanced up to that point, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Beto both posing threats on the counter-attack. Beto, however, missed a golden opportunity from just six yards out.
At the opposite end, O’Reilly narrowly missed the target, and a deflection off Jake O’Brien from a Foden corner skimmed the crossbar.
City’s control improved after the break, even if their rhythm was lacking due to Rodri’s absence. Nevertheless, their quality in crucial moments, particularly Haaland’s finishing, proved decisive.
Pickford thwarted Haaland’s attempt at a hat-trick in stoppage time with two excellent saves, but the outcome had already been determined.
City’s 2-0 victory placed them momentarily ahead of Arsenal, who were set to face Fulham later in the evening.