Ilkay Gundogan scored twice for the second successive game and also set up Erling Haaland for another to inspire Manchester City to a dominant 3-0 win against Everton on Sunday. With a clinical performance and an 11th consecutive victory, defending champions Manchester City moved four points clear of Arsenal atop the Premier League title race. City, who settled for a 1-1 draw with Everton at the Etihad Stadium this season, have now won seven in a row at Goodison Park.
With three games remaining, Pep Guardiola’s side has 85 points and still has a match in hand against second-placed Arsenal. Everton remained deep in trouble, just above the relegation zone in 17th place with 32 points. Later in the day, Arsenal’s dream of winning the Premier League title shattered as they suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Brighton.
After a testing start, City broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Gundogan scored the opener with an eye-catching finish. Backing into Everton defender Nathan Patterson, the German midfielder stylishly controlled Riyad Mahrez’s cross with his right thigh before cleverly flicking the ball past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in an acrobatic motion with his back to the goal. It was a moment of pure brilliance from Gundogan.
Just two minutes later, City’s star striker Haaland doubled the score to give them a 2-0 lead at half-time when Gundogan made a superb cross with a brilliant performance. The Norwegian striker produced a fine header to find the net, extending his Premier League scoring record to 36 goals. City went into the break with a two-goal cushion.
City started the second half well as they continued to dominate and as a result, Gundogan scored his double in the 51st minute to make it as 3-0. Gundogan scored skillfully converting a free-kick from just outside the penalty area to beat Pickford once again before he was substituted off at 78 minutes. The hosts also had few opportunities to score but failed to capitalize on those. James Tarkowski struck the crossbar while Mason Holgate played a close-range shot just wide, burying his face with his hands in frustration.
Guardiola’s treble-chasing men, who are aiming to win their first Champions League title, will host title holders Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on May 18, Wednesday. City has also reached the FA Cup final and will play Manchester United in the summit clash on June 3 (Saturday) at Wembley Stadium.
