Everton slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Man City after conceding two late goals to Pep Guardiola’s side at Goodison Park.
Following their late 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest last week, the Toffees looked to maintain their good form since David Moyes‘ return as they hosted the Premier League champions on Saturday (19 April).
In a goalless first half, it was Everton who would go closest to scoring when James Tarkowski‘s header from a corner came back off the post.
After a second half in which both teams showed more intent, Man City would finally break the deadlock with five minutes remaining when Nico O’Reilly tapped in Matheus Nunes’ pull back from close range.
Mateo Kovacic’s stoppage time strike would then seal the win for the visitors, handing the Toffees only a third league defeat since Moyes was appointed for his second spell with the club.
| Everton last five games | Result |
| West Ham (H) | Drew 1-1 |
| Liverpool (A) | Lost 1-0 |
| Arsenal (H) | Drew 1-1 |
| Nottingham Forest (A) | Won 1-0 |
| Man City (H) | Lost 2-0 |
Here is how Football Insider rated the performances of the Everton squad during that clash with Man City.
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Jordan Pickford – 8 – Man of the Match
Made a number of impressive key saves that helped keep Man City out before they did eventually get their goals where he was left helpless.
Jake O’Brien – 6
Brilliant block to deny De Bruyne late in the first half. Did well against Savinho but faced a bit more of a challenge when Doku came on.
James Tarkowski (off for Keane, ’52) – 7
Solid in the first half and unlucky with his header from the corner. Forced off with a worrying looking injury shortly after half time.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 7
Everton will be desperate to keep Branthwaite this summer amid interest from elsewhere. Showed how important that might be with some important defensive contributions, also a threat attacking set-pieces.
Vitali Mykolenko – 6
Some good bits of play. Outnumbered on his flank with little support in the build-up to the goal scored by the visitors.
Idrissa Gana Gueye (off for Iroegbunam, ’80) – 7
Got through plenty of work in the centre of the park before picking up a cynical yellow card shutting down a Man City counter attack which likely contributed to his substitution.
James Garner – 6
Did some decent work in the centre of the park to help Everton control things for a decent portion of the game.
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Jack Harrison (off for McNeil, ’79) – 3
Yet another game where the on-loan Leeds United man has been unable to provide an end product, in truth he hardly seemed involved in the match.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 7
Everton fans still want Doucoure to sign a new contract and he showed why here with a lively performance where he looked the most likely to make something happen in attack.
Iliman Ndiaye (off Alcaraz, ’80) – 6
Ndiaye has impressed for Everton since returning from injury, but while he had his moments here, his threat was not what it has been previously.
Armando Broja (off for Beto, ’64) – 4
Chelsea loanee Broja had a difficult afternoon at Nottingham Forest last week, and he cut a very isolated figure again here, struggling to get involved in the game.
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Substitutes
Michael Keane (on for Tarkowski, ’52) – 3
Booked shortly after coming on for the injured Tarkowski and had to be bailed out by Pickford after being beaten by Marmoush on the edge of his area. Lost O’Reilly for the goal as well.
Beto (on for Broja, ’64) – 6
More involved than Broja after Moyes switched his centre-forwards but still couldn’t pose much of a goal threat.
Dwight McNeil (on for Harrison, ’79) – 5
A quiet outing as he continues to build up his fitness.
Tim Iroegbunam (on for Gueye,’80) – 5
Everton seemed to struggle for control in midfield more after Gueye was withdrawn for Iroegbunam, who was also booked for a cynical foul on Doku.
Carlos Alcaraz (on for Ndiaye, ’80) – 4
Couldn’t get involved from an attacking sense as Man City upped the ante late on.
