Man City’s comeback at Everton was their biggest win yet،
LIVERPOOL, England – Five days after winning the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia, Manchester City scored its biggest victory of the season 35 miles from home against Everton. Forget the glory of being crowned world champions for the first time: this victory at Goodison Park means much more to manager Pep Guardiola and his all-conquering team.
Beating Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense in Jeddah was nothing more than City tying a ribbon to their incredible year. Last season's treble – Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup trophies – was enhanced by City's success in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Champion Clubs' Tournament. continental, but this trip to the Middle East took place in the middle of Guardiola's worst form as City manager.
One win in six league matches before the visit to Goodison matched the worst league run of Guardiola's coaching career. The only other time he recorded such an unusual run of results was at the end of his first season in charge of Barcelona, when his team had already won the La Liga title and were preparing for a Champions League final. champions against Manchester United in Rome.
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In other words, the last few weeks have been the most difficult of Guardiola's successful managerial career. And that's why this match against Sean Dyche's Everton was ultimately so important for City and Guardiola. It was a test of City's determination and ability to get back into the title race.
“Really important,” Guardiola said in his post-match press conference. “It was a huge victory for us after Saudi Arabia, the world champions where we come from.
“How special is this group of players? We all have that in our bones. We know we are not at the top of the league. The mid table teams can beat everyone and the question for us was always about being there.”
Everton, with four Premier League wins from their last five, were in fine form and full of confidence, ready to mock City's new status as world champions. But by the end of the match, City had answered every question asked of them before and during the match. They left Goodison with all three points, just five points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played a game more than Guardiola's side.
Even if Arsenal regain top spot with a home win over West Ham on Thursday, Mikel Arteta's side will be just six points ahead of City having played an extra game, the challenge for Guardiola and his players It is therefore hardly intimidating.
Their rivals have made mistakes in recent weeks and failed to take full advantage of City's poor form – and it looks like they could ultimately pay a high price as Guardiola's side have been ruthless in the second half of the season when silverware was won. is in play.
This victory could well represent City's season as a whole. A poor first half when Jack Harrison's 29th-minute goal gave Everton the lead, followed by a convincing second-half victory after goals from Phil Foden, Julián Álvarez (penalty) and Bernardo Silva took the lead. made a comfortable victory.
City lacked spark in the first half. Midfielder Rodri was constantly squeezed out by two or three Everton opponents, City's defense was tormented by Beto, Harrison and Dwight McNeil and when defender John Stones limped off with an ankle injury shortly before the break , the picture seemed gloomy.
Injuries have cast a shadow over City all season. Kevin De Bruyne has not played since the opening match at Burnley. Stones has been limited to just five Premier League starts. Erling Haaland has now missed City's last six games in all competitions and is yet to return to training due to his foot problem. Winger Jérémy Doku has also been absent since the beginning of December.
Yet, despite all the absentees at Goodison and their insipid first-half performance, City showed up in the second half and played like champions.
The supporting cast – standout players such as Alvarez, Foden and Matheus Nunes – all highlighted the depth of quality in City's squad. The players took on the challenge of fighting back against an Everton side who not only played with confidence, but also forced City to face a physical test, particularly with robust tackling from defender James Tarkowski.
Foden equalized with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area, Alvarez gave City the lead from the penalty spot after an Amadou Onana handball, and Bernardo kept the points safe by punishing the goalkeeper 'Everton Jordan Pickford for a misjudged clearance.
That's what City does, whether over the course of a 90-minute match or an entire season: they get better and stronger towards the end.
They have experienced their decline in form, injuries and doubts about their ability to repeat last season's successes. But with so much quality and experience returning to Guardiola's squad, it's hard to bet that City will do what they always do by leapfrogging the rest once again.
“Sometimes you have seasons that start to go wrong,” Guardiola said. “I hope the damage is not serious and they can come back.
“January is not as demanding as December but we are still here. I have the feeling that the way we play is good. However, the players are angry when they don't win and relatively calm when they win. C “It's the best way to deal with bad times.”
