Manchester City left it late but made sure the job was done at Goodison Park, bagging a 2-0 win over Everton thanks to clinical strikes in the final 10 minutes. Despite a spirited showing from the hosts, the Cityzens turned on the gears just in time to keep their title charge alive.

? Stat Breakdown: City Edge the Numbers

City led the xG battle 1.73 to 0.90, and while Everton weren’t completely shut out of chances, they couldn’t convert promising moments into goals. The away side also dominated possession with 65%, had more total shots (12 to Everton’s 8), and stacked up 22 progressive runs to Everton’s 11.

Everton’s attack found decent territory, registering 11 touches in the opposition box and 2 shots on target, but lacked the final touch in the key zones. City’s technical control and clean buildup helped them create 7 shots on target, converting two.

? Momentum Watch: Patience Pays Off

City’s xG chart shows a slow build, with two sharp spikes at the death — an 84th-minute goal by O’Reilly (xG 0.65) and a stoppage-time finish from Kova?i? (xG 0.08). Until then, Everton had managed to hang on, growing into the game after the 30-minute mark and even threatening more often through the middle period.

But as the second half wore on, City’s patience and pressure took their toll, and Everton’s resistance finally cracked.

? Shot Maps: Sharp Shooters vs Misfires

Manchester City’s shot map was a textbook example of quality over quantity. Two goals from high-value central positions — one inside the six-yard box, the other low and hard near the penalty spot — tell the story. Their average shot distance was just over 15 meters, and their xG-per-shot (0.144) showed how well they engineered good chances.

Everton, meanwhile, got into the right areas but couldn’t finish. Despite 8 total shots and an xG of 0.90, their shooting lacked venom. They registered only 2 on target, with most efforts blocked or drifting wide.

? Possession Tactics: City’s Pass Web Tightens

City’s pass map painted a familiar picture: short, intricate patterns through the center with Gündo?an, De Bruyne, and González pulling strings. Their backline advanced high, and O’Reilly’s position on the right flank added extra depth in the final third.

Everton’s passing was more direct, with Doucouré and Garner linking up with Broja in central areas. Pickford played a key role in buildup, but the Toffees struggled to string passes through midfield under pressure.

? Final Thoughts

Everton stayed disciplined for 80+ minutes, but when you give City that much of the ball and space, eventually something’s going to give. It wasn’t a battering, but it was professional, controlled, and — in the end — effective.

City march on. Everton are left to wonder what might’ve been with a bit more bite in the box.