MAN CITY PLAYER RATING: Erling Haaland’s deadly finishes and sub Kevin De Bruyne made the difference in Everton win… but Mateus Nunes proved a disappointment
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Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League table as Erling Haaland struck twice to sink Everton.
Pep Guardiola’s side had to be patient and it took them 71 minutes to break the deadlock as Everton defended resolutely.
But Haaland’s double, which took his tally for the season to 16 league goals, sent City over Liverpool for at least a few hours.
Here are the City ratings from the game at the Etihad courtesy of Adam Shergold.
Erling Haaland scored twice late on to give Manchester City a 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday
The Norwegian volleyed home for the champions in the 71st minute to give City a crucial lead
He doubled his goal for the game on the counter-attack, slotting his effort past Jordan Pickford
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Ederson
Hardly had anything to do as Everton could rarely get out of their own half. Took a small hit early on when Ben Godfrey slid into him, requiring medical attention but never really tested. 6
John Stones
Far from his busiest afternoon as his former club struggled to come forward and pose a threat. Composed on the ball when required as City worked the ball out from the back. 6
Ruben Dias
Likewise, it was rarely taxed by the Everton striker. Had a scuffle with Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the touchline early on and was able to keep him quiet for the most part. 6
Nathan Ake
Was able to concentrate on supporting City’s attack with little to do in defence. Happy to provide a threat from set-pieces, of which there were plenty with City forcing nine corners. Claimed the assist for Haaland’s opener after touching it on him midway through the penalty shootout. 6.5
Manuel Akanji
Just like Ake was able to get forward and a shot on target just before half-time was blocked by James Tarkowski, who VAR checked for a disallowed handball. 6
Manuel Akanji sees a first-half effort blocked by James Tarkowski just in front of goal
Rodri
As metronomic as ever in midfield and helped increase the tempo in the second half as City pushed for the breakthrough goal. 7
Phil Foden
Involved heavily in the first half down the right and tested the Everton defense with a couple of efforts that were well blocked. Diminished a bit in influence after half time. 7
Matheus Nunes
Made a couple of good early runs in behind but otherwise never felt like he was going to impact the game. Unsurprisingly replaced by Kevin De Bruyne just before the hour. 5
Matheus Nunes struggled to make much of an impact for City and was brought on for De Bruyne
Julian Alvarez
Not overly influential and didn’t connect with Haaland with much intuition. Saw a few half chances come and go. 6
Jeremy Doku
Always involved as he caused problems for Ashley Young and Ben Godfrey down the left flank, especially in the first half. Capable of beating his man, but the final product was mostly lacking. 7
Jeremy Doku was keen to get involved down the left flank during the opening half
Erling Haaland
Hardly had been involved until he most emphatically was. Strike home the first goal with friendship after the ball fell perfectly to him inside the box and then he was never going to miss the second after taking over from Jarrad Branthwaite. Took him to 16 league goals in the season and top of the goalscoring list. 8
SUB
Kyle Walker (for Akanji, 57 mins)
Offered more going forward and helped City up the tempo after the hour mark. 7
Kevin De Bruyne (for Nunes, 57 min.)
Integral to City’s victory as he offered a shift upwards. Set up Haaland’s second with a brilliant ball from inside his own half. 7
Kevin De Bruyne (right) started on the bench but made a significant impression when he came on