Everton 0-2 Man City
by James Nalton
at Goodison Park

MANCHESTER CITY arrived at Goodison Park yesterday on the back of two three-nil wins and in their previous outing at home to champions Chelsea, they’d shown they’re the team to beat in this season’s opening stages.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez echoed these sentiments in his programme notes, commenting that: “City have started the season fully refreshed and have hit the ground running. We know that we are going to face a team at its very best already.”

The rain which greeted the sides as they entered the pitch soon cleared up and there were chances for both sides in the first half. The best of the bunch fell to Sergio Aguero in the opening minutes, as he forced Tim Howard into a fine save at his near post.

For Everton, the closest attempts on goal came from Phil Jagielka, whose header tickled the roof of the net, and Romelu Lukaku who powered a free kick just over.

The Everton striker had the home fans celebrating a goal earlier in the half but it was ruled out for offside.

The visitors started the second half brightly with the ever-lively David Silva hitting the post and after an hour they finally made the breakthrough. Raheem Sterling ran directly at John Stones, but instead of trying to beat his man he played a quick pass through to Aleksandar Kolarov who powered the ball in from a tight angle with his trusty left boot.

City had another chance just after the goal but Jesus Navas kicked the ball straight at Howard’s face when the back of the net offered the bigger target.

Everton almost equalised when a Gareth Barry header looked to be on its way in but Vincent Kompany managed to clear off the line.

City made sure of the three points when substitute Samir Nasri was put through by Yaya Toure and dinked the ball over an onrushing Howard.

City’s fans responded to Sterling’s first real contribution in sky blue by letting both halves of Liverpool know that “Raheem Sterling, he’s top of the league.” If Manuel Pellegrini’s men carry on like this, then he could be there for a good while longer.