(Football News) Manchester City defeated Everton 3-0 at Goodison Park. There were doubts about City going into this game as Everton had just defeated Brighton 5-1. Manchester City’s UCL tie against Real Madrid along with Everton’s desperation to stay up was all indicating towards a complicated game for City. However, Pep Guardiola’s men showed why they are the best team in the league with a clinical performance. Nathan Ake was missing through injury while Guardiola didn’t use his regulars John Stones and Kevin De Bruyne. Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva only came on in the 78th minute when the game was sealed.

Manchester City in typical fashion was aggressive right from the start. Everton did have one incredible chance from a corner but City ended up scoring first. Ilkay Gundogan in the 37th minute karate kicked Riyad Mahrez’s cross into the back of the net. That opened the floodgates as Gudogan assisted Erling Haaland 2 minutes later to double Manchester City’s lead. In the 51st minute, Gundogan stepped up to take a free-kick and chipped it over the wall into the top corner to seal the match for City. Everton’s only chance after that came when James Tarkowski hit the crossbar from a corner.

Ilkay Gundogan has once again stepped up in the most important part of the season. His current deal expires at the end of the season and with this performance, Manchester City will be hoping to keep him. Erling Haaland continued his amazing goalscoring form as he got his 36th Premier League goal. Now Manchester City’s heads will turn to the big game against Real Madrid on Wednesday. As for Everton, they could go into the relegation zone if Leicester City beat Liverpool. The Toffees have two crucial games against mid-table teams Wolves and Bournemouth which are must wins.

Also read: Arsenal title hopes are all but over after loss to Brighton at Emirates Stadium