Manchester City took another step towards securing their third consecutive Premier League title with a comfortable victory over relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park. The only thing standing in their way now is a win against Chelsea next Sunday, which would secure the title. With Brighton and Brentford as back-up games, the club is in a prime position to clinch the championship.
City’s position at the top of the table was secured by a 3-0 victory over Everton, who were made to pay for Mason Holgate’s glaring miss. Despite being second-best in the early stages of the game, City showed how clinical they are in front of goal, scoring twice in two minutes. Ilkay Gundogan was instrumental in all three goals, scoring a sublime flicked finish and a stunning free-kick, as well as providing the assist for Erling Haaland’s close-range header.
City’s fine form is not just confined to domestic competitions. They are still in with a chance of winning the Champions League, and they face Real Madrid in the semi-final on Wednesday. Guardiola’s team has won 12 consecutive league games and is unbeaten in all competitions in the last 22 matches.
Everton’s loss leaves them looking nervously over their shoulders with two games remaining, hovering just one point above the relegation zone. They may still hope to stay in the Premier League, but their situation is precarious, having set a new club record with ten home losses this season. The Toffees’ scoring record is also dismal, having only netted 15 times on their own turf, the fewest in the league.
Despite their poor showing, there were some positives for Everton. Their stunning 5-1 victory over Brighton on Monday lifted them out of the relegation zone. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin impressed in the opening 45 minutes, but he was replaced by Neal Maupay due to a tight groin muscle. His absence will be a significant concern for Everton, who are fighting for survival.
The upcoming FA Cup final against cross-city rivals Manchester United will give City the opportunity to come closer to the Treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Although United is the only English team to have won the Treble, City is now just a step away from emulating their rivals’ achievement. With their next game against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, the club has a real opportunity to cement their place among the European elite.
