In a match that not long ago would’ve easily gone the other way, Manchester City showed maturity and character to claim a valuable 2-0 win over Everton, taking a solid step toward qualification for the next Champions League. Pep Guardiola's side overcame a sluggish start and strong resistance from the home team to earn their second consecutive Premier League victory.

The game began at a slow pace with little excitement in the first 45 minutes. City tried to build with long possessions but lacked speed and movement in attack, while Everton opted for a more direct approach, though they failed to create real danger in open play. It was from set-pieces that Sean Dyche’s men threatened, particularly through Tarkowski, who rattled the crossbar with a powerful header.

Despite controlling the ball, it was Pickford who stood out early, stopping a powerful shot from Nunes and denying De Bruyne just before halftime with a brilliant save. At the other end, Stefan Ortega played a crucial role, keeping Everton at bay with a key stop on Tarkowski’s point-blank header and a sharp save from Doucouré's tight-angle shot.

The second half saw a noticeable shift in intensity and chances. Doku’s entrance brought a spark to City’s attack, adding flair on the wings and pulling apart the Everton defense. In the 84th minute, after a strong run from Nunes, a driven cross found O'Reilly, who made an unexpected run from the back to tap in and break the deadlock.

In stoppage time, Gündogan played a cutback to Kovacic, who finished with precision to seal the 2-0 result. It was a win that boosts the Sky Blues’ confidence ahead of crucial fixtures, including the upcoming clash against Aston Villa.

With this victory, Manchester City not only stays in the race for the top spots but also proves they’ve regained their stability and winning mentality at a crucial stage of the season.