Player ratings as glorious Gundogan pushes Citizens closer to title

A masterclass from Ilkay Gundogan helped Manchester City secure a 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The first half was uncomfortable for the visitors before a glorious goal from Gundogan was almost immediately followed by an assist for Erling Haaland, and a delightful free-kick early in the second half was the icing on the cake.

The Everton faithful were in full voice early on as Sean Dyche’s side pressed high and created some uncomfortable moments on the counter for City’s back line, although they were still giving the visitors nearly 80% of the ball in the first 15 minutes.

It took 27 minutes for the first shot of the game to arrive but it was not a moment to remember as Riyad Mahrez’s drive from long range soared high and wide – the kind of chance Everton were clearly happy to give their title-hunting opposition.

Seven minutes later, Mason Holgate spurned the first real opportunity. James Tarkowski headed down from a corner but his fellow defender had to stretch to try and turn the ball goalwards and couldn’t control his effort.

Injecting the quality this game needed, Gundogan opened the scoring in the 37th minute. Controlling a cross with his back to goal, the midfielder flicked the ball backwards and beyond Jordan Pickford with a real moment of magic.

Before fans could blink, it was 2-0. Haaland, who had only managed a handful of touches beforehand, headed home a Gundogan cross just seconds later to give City a cushion which their performance perhaps did not merit in the first half.

Another sensational highlight from Gundogan kicked off the second half with a bang. A curling free-kick from the edge of the box fizzed past Jordan Pickford and killed off any hope of an Everton comeback.

Everton did spark into life after the third goal and nearly found a route back into the game after the hour mark when Tarkowski’s header hit the bar moments before Yerry Mina headed wide himself.

In truth, any optimism had been extinguished as the travelling City support grew louder and louder, serenading their aspiring champions as they played out the victory.

GK: Jordan Pickford – 4/10 – Turned himself into a meme with his effort to keep Haaland out in what turned out to be a tough afternoon.

RB: Nathan Patterson – 4/10 – Didn’t enjoy his battle with Foden whatsoever. Lost out to the Englishman and was later targeted when the rest of City’s squad figured out his weakness.

CB: Yerry Mina – 5/10 – A great dive to try and get Laporte sent off. Spent the whole…