Manchester City 2-0 Everton (10 Feb, 2024) Game Analysis

Erling Haaland scored twice with his first goals since returning from injury to earn Manchester City a 2-0 home win over relegation-threatened Everton on Saturday.

Haaland, who recently missed almost two months with a broken foot, scored his 15th and 16th of the season in the second half to break stubborn Everton resistance and move to the top of the team's goalscoring list. Premier League.

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The 23-year-old has 51 goals in 50 league starts, more goals in 50 starts than any other player in the competition.

Pep Guardiola's side have 52 points after 23 games, while Liverpool – who can return to the lead with a win over Burnley later on Saturday – have 51 points, also from 23 games. Everton are in the relegation zone in 18th place.

Haaland's return to form was perfect timing for City who had 72.5% possession but managed just three shots on target.

“The changes in the second half gave us another rhythm and of course Erling is back. To have that player, when the ball is there from a corner… and the finish was incredible,” Guardiola said.

“In the first half our body language was not good, we were always complaining. In the second half they were more positive. If you want to give your best, body language has to be in the right position and in the end we took a huge three important points.”

– Dawson: Haaland ends drought, another worrying sign for City rivals

The Toffees' stifling defense frustrated City before the Norwegian striker finally broke the deadlock with City's first shot on target in the 71st minute when he fired in a searing shot following a corner.

Haaland, who previously shared top spot in the goalscoring charts with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, completed the brace when he received a pass from Kevin De Bruyne in midfield before beating Jarrad Branthwaite and then coolly slotting it past the goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

It was the first time City had failed to have a shot on target in the first half of a home league match since August 2022 against Crystal Palace. They went on to win this match 4-2.

Ian Woan took over in the Everton dugout for the day while manager Sean Dyche served a one-match suspension on the touchline after picking up his third yellow card in the weekend's draw last against Tottenham Hotspur.

City face a busy week with a trip to Copenhagen for the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, then host Chelsea on Saturday.