That City Feeling

Everton's great run of form continued with another fine display against newly-minted best team in the world Manchester City; but a dodgy penalty decision against Amadou Onana seemed to turn the tide and in the end resulted in a 3-1 away win for the reigning champions; with their gusty celebrations at each goal a clear symbol of how tough this game actually was.

There was a time in the first half when Everton had taken the lead; when Jack Harrison was actually making nutmegs on Nathan Ake; when Beto was actually bullying Manuel Akanji; when u sensed that maybe Everton could actually win it. With a few changes to their starting line-up such as Beto & Andre Gomes in for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure respectively; you sensed there was fresh energy about Everton and their pressing game was on fine display again. So fine that City were uncharacteristically losing possession in their own areas; notably from Rodrigo; the undisputed best holding midfielder in the world.

Credit through to City; they never panicked and continued to strut their stuff. The 'Stockport Iniesta' Phil Foden was in prime form; drifting between Everton's defence & midfield to find open spaces; and it was his laser-like shot that beat Jordan Pickford to start the comeback. Everton were always in it though; and it was only the dodgy VAR-inspired penalty that seemed to turn the tide towards the lighter blue half. To make matters worse for the Toffees, Pickford's uncharacteristic mistake allowed Bernardo Silva to curl home a third; before Foden himself found time to crack two more superlative efforts before the end of the night.