Pep Guardiola was pleased with how Manchester City dealt with a “physical” Everton team en route to their 3-1 victory on Wednesday night.
Man City were well on their way for yet another win as Phil Foden fired them in front just past the half hour mark. A cross into the area eventually fell to Foden. His right-footed strike deflected off Seamus Coleman before finding the net.
Their lead did not last long though, as Everton pegged them back in the 37th-minute. Lucas Digne hit a great first time shot towards goal. His effort struck the post but it bounced into the goal off of Richarlison.
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Guardiola’s side went back in front in the 63rd-minute in superb fashion. Bernardo Silva picked it up on the edge of the area before laying it off to Riyad Mahrez. The Algerian international struck it first-time as he emphatically found the far left corner past Jordan Pickford.
City’s win was all but sealed in the 77th-minute as Silva got their third. Gabriel Jesus was the creator this time as he let in Silva on the edge of the area. The attacker evaded Michael Keane before smashing it home past Pickford to make it 3-1.
This is City’s seventeenth successive victory across all competitions. They are now ten points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Speaking post-match with Amazon Prime Video, as cited by BBC Sport, Guardiola suggested that Man City always need to have “patience” when attacking:
“A real tough game, pitch in not perfect condition in winter and they are so physical team. A solid performance, the guys run like the way we have to do and three points.
“We have the quality up front but it comes through the passes and when we arrive in the final third we want to attack too quick, we have to have patience. The second goal is an example of that if you can’t find (the opening), make an extra pass.
“Sometimes Riyad Mahrez plays left, sometimes right, it depends on the decisions for the team.
“Football is not about defensive, offensive, you cannot win titles (without a good defence) and we have conceded few goals and few chances. This team (Everton) scored three at Old Trafford and five against Spurs and a team that can create chances.
“Sometimes our full-backs attack wider, it depends on the opponents. Not all the full-backs can play inside, it depends on the skills of everyone.”
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