In order to overcome Everton 3-1 on Wednesday and go back into the top four of the Premier League, Manchester City had to come from behind.
After winning its first Club World Cup championship in Saudi Arabia, City trailed 1-0 at halftime to a goal from Jack Harrison. However, they rallied in the second half with goals from Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez.
In the 86th minute, Bernardo Silva scored the third goal when Jordan Pickford miscued his clearing and curled the ball into an empty net.
Even though it was just City’s second victory in seven league games, it moved them up to fourth position, five points behind leaders Liverpool with one game remaining. The defending champions defeated Tottenham. If Arsenal defeats West Ham on Thursday, they can go six points ahead of City in second place.
Due to a foot injury, Erling Haaland was sidelined for City once more. Pep Guardiola’s team got off to a slow start, allowing Everton to take the lead in the 29th minute. On the outside of his own area, City midfielder Rodri was forced into an unusual loss of control, and Dwight McNeil set Harrison up for a close-range sidefoot goal. The former City winger nearly scored a fantastic second goal, but Ederson was there to tip over his errant attempt from outside the left foot.
John Stones, a defender for City, had to be substituted in the 43rd minute due to an injury, but it took the visitors just 19 minutes to recover. In the 53rd, Alvarez gave his team the lead from the penalty spot after Nathan Ake’s effort struck Amadou Onana’s arm as he slid in to block. Foden was afforded too much room on the outskirts of the box from a corner to beat Pickford with a low drive inside his left-hand post.
After first awarding a corner, referee John Brooks changed his mind and pointed to the spot. Alvarez’s shot down the middle proved to be too strong as it sailed under Pickford’s diving knees.
The victory was sealed by Silva’s 20-yard strike into an open net following Alvarez’s block of the custodian.