Manchester City moved a step closer to securing Champions League football next season with a gritty 2-0 victory over a determined Everton side at Goodison Park on Saturday, thanks to late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic.
Pep Guardiola’s men had to dig deep for all three points, with Everton defending resolutely for most of the game and threatening on a number of occasions themselves. The result sees City climb to fourth on the Premier League table with 58 points from 33 matches—four ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea and seventh-placed Aston Villa, although both rivals have a game in hand. With UEFA’s new format guaranteeing Champions League qualification for the top five, City’s win could prove decisive in the final stretch of the season.
For 83 minutes, it looked like Everton might frustrate the defending champions. Nico O’Reilly, the 19-year-old academy product, was introduced late in the game and proved the difference. He was alert to latch onto Matheus Nunes’ driven cross, stabbing home from close range to finally break the deadlock and notch his first senior goal for the club.
Just four minutes later, Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic put the result beyond doubt with a thunderous low drive from the edge of the box that flew past a helpless Jordan Pickford.
David Moyes’ Everton side entered the match full of energy, bolstered by a passionate home crowd in what was their third-last Premier League game at the historic Goodison Park before their impending move to a new stadium on the banks of the River Mersey.
James Tarkowski nearly gave the hosts an early lead when his powerful header rattled the post midway through the first half. Everton’s commitment was epitomised by a series of crucial blocks and clearances, including one goal-line stop from Jake O’Brien to deny Kevin De Bruyne.
Despite their defensive discipline, the Toffees were dealt a blow in the second half when Tarkowski—who had started every Premier League game since his move to Merseyside—was forced off with an injury. That moment marked a turning point as City gradually gained control of the game.
It was not a vintage display from Guardiola’s side, who struggled to create clear chances for long stretches. Erling Haaland was well-marshalled by Tarkowski and Branthwaite, while De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva found little space between the lines.
But credit goes to City’s bench, with substitutes Nunes and O’Reilly injecting fresh energy and pace into the attack. Stefan Ortega also played a crucial role, making a brilliant reflex save to deny Branthwaite’s header shortly after halftime.
The victory not only boosts City’s Champions League hopes but also extends their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions. Guardiola will be pleased with his side’s resilience, particularly in a match that tested their patience and squad depth.
Everton, meanwhile, remain in 13th place with 38 points—comfortably clear of relegation but still looking for more consistency in attack. With just five games remaining, Moyes will be focused on ending the season strongly and preparing for a historic move into their new home.
