Manchester City vs. Everton: Score, Grades and Reaction from Premier League
Manchester City pulled within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea with a 1-0 victory over visiting Everton on Saturday at the Etihad Stadium.
City had to make do without the services of in-form striker Sergio Aguero, who left the match through injury in the seventh minute. But captain Yaya Toure filled the gap, scoring the game's only goal from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.
The win kept City in second place with 33 points through 15 matches. Manuel Pellegrini's side now sit just three points behind leaders Chelsea, who lost at Newcastle United earlier Saturday.
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Up next, City will try to secure passage to the UEFA Champions League knockout phase by winning at Roma on Wednesday in both teams' final group match. The Sky Blues return to the Premier League with a match at Leicester City next Saturday.
Everton, who remained in 11th place with 18 points, host Krasnodar in the Europa League on Thursday. The Toffees resume Premier League action next Monday at home to Queens Park Rangers.
Saturday's match started ominously for City, Aguero limping off the pitch following a challenge with Seamus Coleman and Muhamed Besic. He was replaced by Jose Pozo in the seventh minute.
The loss of Aguero seemed to have a negative impact on City's play, as the hosts struggled to threaten Everton's goal. Defender Eliaquim Mangala was perhaps fortunate not to receive a red card for a high foot to the back of Samuel Eto'o, instead seeing yellow for the infraction.
City found the opening they needed in the 23rd minute. After controlling the ball in the box, James Milner went to the ground under contact from Everton defender Phil Jagielka. A minute later, Toure stroked the ball into the bottom corner past the diving Tim Howard.
The home side again escaped a potential sending off in the 26th minute after Fernando caught Gareth Barry with a high boot to the face. Fernando drew a yellow card on the play.
Everton had a half-chance in the 39th minute, Kevin Mirallas seeing a shot deflected off target after City were unable to clear a cross. At the other end, Man City's Samir Nasri had a shot blocked out for a corner following good work from Jesus Navas.
Still leading by the lone goal at half-time, City came close to doubling their advantage in the 50th minute. Milner glided past Tony Hibbert down City's left flank and crossed dangerously for Pozo, who directed a first-time shot on target. The ball looked destined for the back of the net, but Tim Howard stuck out a leg to block at his right-hand post.
Ross Barkley entered as a substitute in the 56th minute as Everton manager Roberto Martinez tried to liven up his side's attack. Pellegrini responded by introducing Edin Dzeko in the 63rd minute and Frank Lampard 15 minutes later.
Lampard made a nearly instant impact, opening up the Everton defence with a 78th-minute cross into the box for Dzeko. The Bosnian then headed into the path of Milner, who volleyed off target with his first touch.
Everton came close four minutes later, as Eto'o teed up Romelu Lukaku with a classy chip. Lukaku hit a first-time volley toward the far corner, but Joe Hart sprawled to make a fine save.
City received another injury scare in the 89th minute, Milner requiring attention after taking an elbow to the head in an aerial challenge with Barry. The Everton man had been booked earlier in the match but escaped punishment on the play.
Milner recovered and rejoined the action moments later. It turned out to be the final incident of note, as City saw out five minutes of stoppage time to finish off the win.
Grades
| Joe Hart | 7.3 |
| Pablo Zabaleta | 7.1 |
| Gael Clichy | 7.5 |
| Martin Demichelis | 7.8 |
| Eliaquim Mangala | 7.0 |
| Fernando | 6.9 |
| Yaya Toure | 7.6 |
| Jesus Navas | 6.6 |
| Samir Nasri | 8.0 |
| James Milner | 7.2 |
| Sergio Aguero | No rating |
| Jose Pozo (for Aguero, 7') | 5.8 |
| Edin Dzeko (for Pozo, 63') | 6.7 |
| Frank Lampard (for Navas, 78') | 6.2 |
| Tim Howard | 7.0 |
| Leighton Baines | 7.1 |
| Sylvain Distin | 7.1 |
| Phil Jagielka | 7.1 |
| Tony Hibbert | 7.1 |
| Seamus Coleman | 6.4 |
| Gareth Barry | 6.7 |
| Muhamed Besic | 7.0 |
| Kevin Mirallas | 6.4 |
| Samuel Eto'o | 7.5 |
| Romelu Lukaku | 6.2 |
| Ross Barkley (for Besic, 56') | 6.8 |
| Leon Osman (for Mirallas, 88') | No rating |
Reaction
