Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table on Saturday with a 2-0 win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium, powered by another clinical Erling Haaland performance.
The Norwegian striker, who has been in red-hot form all season, scored twice in the second half to hand Pep Guardiola’s men a deserved victory after a sluggish opening period.
Everton started the brighter side, pressing high and creating the better early chances. Iliman Ndiaye forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a fine save, while Beto squandered a sitter from close range. City also survived a nervy moment when Jake O’Brien’s misdirected header crashed against his own crossbar.
But as soon as Haaland found his moment, the game tilted City’s way. Nico O’Reilly swung in a perfect cross, and Haaland rose highest to head past Jordan Pickford for the opener. Moments later, the 25-year-old doubled the lead, calmly slotting home from Savinho’s low cross that deflected off James Tarkowski.
That brace takes Haaland’s tally to an incredible 23 goals in 13 appearances this season, with the striker now scoring in 11 consecutive games for club and country.
Everton’s early confidence faded as City settled into control. Haaland could have bagged a hat-trick late on, but Pickford produced two fine stops to keep the score respectable. Savinho also came close, but City were already cruising by then.
The victory extends City’s unbeaten run to eight matches in all competitions and puts them top of the league on goal difference, ahead of Arsenal’s fixture against Fulham later in the evening. Guardiola will also be encouraged by the return of key players Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, and Mateo Kovacic, all of whom featured after recent injury layoffs.
For Everton boss David Moyes, the result adds to a frustrating record. He has now failed to win any of his last 37 matches against sides that finished in the Premier League’s top three, while the Toffees’ winless streak against City stretches to 17 league games — their last triumph dating back to Guardiola’s debut season in England.
