Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic scored late as Manchester City secured a vital three points in a 2-0 win at Everton to move into fourth place in the Premier League, strengthening their Champions League qualification credentials.
O’Reilly’s striker-like composure in the 84th minute and Kovacic’s stoppage-time City second ensured Pep Guardiola’s side avoided a blow in the hunt for a top-five finish and move above Nottingham Forest, who travel to Tottenham on Monday Night Football, live on Sky.
City were forced to work for the three points, very much frustrated by an Everton side who looked the more likely ahead of the late double.
James Tarkowski, who later limped off with an injury, almost headed his side into a first-half lead when he glanced a corner onto the post.
Guardiola will also have Stefan Ortega to thank for the win. Standing in for the injured Ederson, the City No 2 keeper was called upon on several occasions to keep out Everton despite an onslaught. Minutes after the break, an outstretched Ortega left hand denied Jarrod Branthwaite before Abdoulaye Doucoure’s effort from a tight angle minutes later suffered a similar fate.
In response, City could rely on substitutions to change the game, with Jeremy Doku and Kovacic introduced in the 78th minute. Therein began a City flurry with warning signs appearing when Michael Keane, who replaced Tarkowski moments into the second half, nodded the ball back into the path of Omar Marmoush, who was denied one-on-one with Jordan Pickford.
Mateo Kovacic also celebrated back-to-back goals after scoring off the bench for Man City
When O’Reilly scored his second league goal for City, just a week after netting his first, Everton’s belief disappeared. One became two when Kovacic fired past Pickford with a fine finish, set up by Ilkay Gundogan.
City’s win heaps the pressure on Chelsea and Aston Villa, who take on Newcastle on Saturday evening – live on Sky – as they have a four-point buffer to make up in the race for Champions League football next season.
Pep: The players stepped up in the second half
Man City boss Pep Guardiola:
“What changed at the end of the game to give us the win? We scored two goals. We didn’t create much but we knew that.
“We didn’t make transitions or fouls. In the second half, we were more aggressive and could run a little bit more, but the players made the step up. Why were we better? Because the players were better.
“I didn’t change much at half time, the impact from the subs was so good, especially Jeremy [Doku], he was so aggressive with his incredible quality. [Mateo] Kovacic again scored a fantastic goal like he did against Crystal Palace. And the whole back four was brilliant.
“They were really solid, so I’m really pleased with the game because it’s really, really important. Of course, because we have to continue because we have a game in three days, but it’s an important win at Goodison Park.”
Moyes: Tarkowski coming off was a huge blow
Everton boss David Moyes:
James Tarkowski’s header rattled the post as Everton came close to an opener but he was withdrawn with an injury in the second half
“For 60-odd minutes, we were okay. We played well and gave them a good game.
“James Tarkowski coming off was a big change in the game. It changed a lot of things. It shouldn’t have but it did. Their subs made the difference. We didn’t get any more control back in the game.
“Man City had big control in the second half but in the first half, we did a really good job in creating a few opportunities. We played well, but just couldn’t get a goal to go with it. I felt Man City got more joy from their subs than we did.”
O’Reilly provides Man City glimmer of hope
O’Reilly netted his second Man City goal a week after scoring his first
In a season that has given Manchester City fans very little to shout about, they can look to 20-year-old Nico O’Reilly as they seek a glimmer of hope for a resurgent next season.
After netting his first Premier League goal for City during their comeback 5-2 win against Crystal Palace last weekend, his second put them well on their way to earning a victory that will strengthen chances of securing Champions League football for a 15th straight season.
Guardiola isn’t hiding O’Reilly’s desire to play further forward, but when he’s ghosting through the lines and popping with a goal like he did at Goodison Park or volleying home from the edge of the area like he did at Palace, he’s able to use his natural attacking capabilities anyway.
City were far from inspiring at Everton, and have been distant from their convincing selves this season as a whole. But O’Reilly’s versatility, dynamism and youthful exuberance could help City find a way back to their best.