Everton starts the game without playmaker Arteta and with AJ on the bench as they revert to a 4-5-1 formation. The Toffees looked to soak in the early pressure. Somehow, the Toffees don't look like a side who are capable of controlling the game with their passes and it is up to them to prove the fans wrong.
In the 5th minute, Pienaar's cross carved out an opening for Yak who toe-poked the ball towards goal but was cleared out for a corner. Shortly after, Everton further threatened Man City's goal with the likes of Yak and Timmy, but the final ball was ballooned by Hibbo.
Good interception by Pienaar who robbed a ball off a Man City midfielder and was on the way forward but was aptly stopped by the opposing defence. Man City looked to control the game while Everton are covering well for each other. Man City continues to peg Everton back whenever they have the ball but Everton is still playing well as this game needs a goal to open up the game a little bit more.
In the 27th minute, a route one ball floated into the path of Timmy who passed the ball out to Pienaar. The latter's immaculate chip saw the ball clip the upright. What a close call.
Everton is in the lead! In the 29th minute, Everton movement outside the sixth yard box saw the Toffees trading passes among Yak and Timmy. The latter then sent a low cross into the penalty area and Yak was there to put the ball into the net. Everton 1-0 Man City.
What a blunder by the Man City's defence in the 37th minute. From an Everton's cross, the ball was cleared out of Man City's goalmouth. Cars got hold of the ball, and crossed the ball back in for Lescott to score with a header. Everton 2-0 Man City. A good half time result for Everton.
The start of the second half saw Everton and Man City and trading blows once again. Lots of running by the spritely Pienaar who has played the creative role well. Everton will need to score a third to put the game beyond Man City's reach. Everton nearly did that with Timmy sliding in on Yak's low cross, only to be cleared by the Man City's defence.
Pienaar is being replaced by Manny in the 54th minute. Seemed like Pienaar has suffered a slight strain. Man City is trying to claw their way back as Everton backline continues to give Howard adequate cover.
The substitute Manny has been replaced by AJ because of injury. Manny don't look too impressive in his second stint with Everton. A stupid handball by a Man City just outside their penalty area nearly cost them. But the danger was cleared. Surprising shot by Cars from a free kick when everyone just stood still and waited for the referee to blow his whistle.
The game now is end-to-end as Man City, looking for the elusive goal, has fully stretched themselves for Everton to exploit. Neville is not doing Everton any credit with his continued mistakes game after game.
A cross by Lescott in the 83rd minute saw AJ pounced on the ball, only to be saved by the reflexes of the opposing goalkeeper. Soon, the action was over at the Everton's side as Howard made an important save.
Everton has now proven to be a top side that's pushing Liverpool, and maybe Chelsea to the wire.
Score: Everton 2-0 Man City
Scorers: Yak, Lescott
Assists: Timmy, Cars
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