Erling Haaland’s late double sent Manchester City top of the Premier League as they beat Everton 2-0 to extend their winning run to 10 games in all competitions on Saturday.
Haaland rifled home the opening goal with City’s first shot on target following a corner in the 71st minute before adding a breakaway second from substitute Kevin de Bruyne’s pass.
Everton had defended doggedly before that, despite Sean Dyche’s absence from the dugout as he served a touchline ban, but City’s quality told as top scorer Haaland found the net in the Premier League for the first time since November, taking his tally to 16.
The victory puts Pep Guardiola’s side a point ahead of Liverpool, who host Burnley on Saturday, and ensures Everton, deducted 10 points earlier this season, remain in trouble in 18th place.
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Speaking after the game, Guardiola said: “I love to win this type of game. The difficulty is there. We knew it, we talked about it.
“Always Everton here at home is really complicated. We’ve lost a lot of points over many years. What pleased me the most is something the people cannot see – the body shape, the positivity, the body language.
“In the first half, we were complaining. I know a 12:30 (kick-off) is more difficult but our body language was not good. The chemistry between the players, when they lose a ball or something is not going well, has to be better.
“But in the second half, it was much better. In general, it was well deserved. I like to win this type of game – suffering and knowing how difficult everything is – because we learn the lessons for what’s coming.”
City are back in Champions League action on Tuesday as they travel to Copenhagen in the round of 16.
They host Chelsea in the Premier League next Saturday.
Everton will next face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Monday, February 19.
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