Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovacic saved Manchester City's bacon with two late goals as the Premier League champions conquered Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park.
Faced with a well-organised Everton backline, Pep Guardiola's men were bereft of first-half chances barring a Kevin De Bruyne effort which was well-blocked by Jake O'Brien, whose defensive partner James Tarkowski also clipped the upright from a corner.
The latter was unfortunately then forced off injured at the start of the second period, after which David Moyes's side managed to keep the holders at arm's length, albeit until O'Reilly came up with his latest crucial contribution in the final 10 minutes.
To erase any doubt in injury time, super sub Kovacic bagged the insurance goal for the Citizens, who ended a two-game scoreless run away from home in the Premier League thanks to their late show.
Guardiola's side have now broken back into the top four of the Premier League rankings - one point ahead of Nottingham Forest - while Everton remain 13th, only above Manchester United thanks to a marginally better goal difference.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Never before have City failed to score in three straight Premier League away games during the Guardiola era, and the Catalan coach managed to avoid that first-time fate in Saturday's final Goodison stopover.
However, it was not for the want of trying from Moyes's team, who put in a quintessential defensive masterclass in the first half and could have easily taken a shock lead had Tarkowski's effort just been a couple of inches lower.
As the game entered its final half-hour, though, City suddenly found a second gear - thanks in no small part to a wave of changes - as one well-worked goal preceded another well-worked goal late on.
Still in control of their Champions League destiny, Man City rightly celebrated with a particularly boisterous set of supporters at full time, but an already safe Everton deserve credit for their 80 minutes of staunch rearguard action.
EVERTON VS. MAN CITY HIGHLIGHTS
84th min: Everton 0-1 Man City (Nico O'Reilly)
City's new-found goalscoring hero strikes again!
Makeshift right-back Matheus Nunes sends a crisp ball into the six-yard box, and the poacher that is O'Reilly arrives to tap home from three yards out.
Full-back to full-back and City finally have the opener!
90+2 min: Everton 0-2 Man City (Mateo Kovacic)
Game. Set. Kovacic.
Everton get caught playing out from the back, and Ilkay Gundogan eventually lays the ball off to Kovacic, who is falling as he strikes the ball but manages to pick out the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
MAN OF THE MATCH - NICO O'REILLY
© Iconsport
Have Man City finally found their new long-term, out-and-out left-back? The emerging O'Reilly is certainly doing everything in his power to ensure that is the case.
The 20-year-old's attacking instincts continue to catch the eye, as he showed exceptional movement to prod home the opener, while he also completed all three of his dribble attempts successfully in another standout display.
EVERTON VS. MAN CITY MATCH STATS
Possession: Everton 33%-67% Man City
Shots: Everton 8-12 Man City
Shots on target: Everton 2-7 Man City
Corners: Everton 2-5 Man City
Fouls: Everton 7-6 Man City
BEST STATS
20 - Aged 20 years and 29 days, Nico O'Reilly is the fourth-youngest player to score in back-to-back Premier League appearances for Manchester City, and youngest since Phil Foden in June 2020 (20y 25d). Breakthrough. pic.twitter.com/jwPOuYOAxx
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 19, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
The Big Six theme continues for Everton away to Chelsea next Saturday lunchtime, before the penultimate Premier League game at Goodison Park vs. Ipswich Town on May 3.
As for City, Guardiola's side have just two days to recuperate before Tuesday's home showdown with Aston Villa, which precedes FA Cup semi-final day against Nottingham Forest next Sunday at Wembley.
Ben Knapton
