In a dramatic finale at Goodison Park, Manchester City struck twice in the closing stages to defeat Everton 2-0, delivering a pivotal blow in their quest for a top-five Premier League finish. Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovačić emerged as the heroes, breaking Everton’s stubborn resistance to seal a victory that lifts City into fourth place.
Everton, unbeaten at home since January, frustrated City for 84 minutes with a disciplined defensive display. James Tarkowski’s first-half header rattled the post, while goalkeeper Stefan Ortega denied Jarrad Branthwaite’s close-range effort after the break.
But the game turned when Tarkowski, an Everton stalwart, limped off injured in the 52nd minute, disrupting the hosts’ backline.
City capitalized on the chaos. O’Reilly, the 20-year-old makeshift left-back, pounced on Matheus Nunes’ low cross in the 84th minute, slotting past Jordan Pickford from close range.
Substitute Kovačić then sealed the win deep into stoppage time, curling a clinical finish into the bottom corner after a slick pass from İlkay Gündoğan.
Pep Guardiola hailed the result as “massively important,” emphasizing City’s resilience amid a grueling injury-hit season. “Stefan [Ortega] saved us, and the players stepped up when it mattered,” he said, referencing the goalkeeper’s key stops.
Everton boss David Moyes lamented his side’s fatigue and Tarkowski’s injury: “We ran out of juice. Losing James was a blow—we defended well but lacked quality in the final third.
The win propels City to 58 points, tightening their grip on a Champions League spot with five games remaining. Guardiola’s men now sit one point behind third-placed Newcastle, with a favorable run-in ahead.
For Everton, the defeat leaves them 13th (38 points), their relegation fears eased but ambitions of a top-half finish fading. The Toffees’ final two matches at Goodison—a historic venue set to be replaced next season—now carry added emotional weight.
As City eye a Champions League return, Everton’s focus shifts to ending their Goodison era on a high. For now, Guardiola’s tactical patience and late-game ruthlessness have reignited their European dreams.
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