Manchester City lost 2–1 at home to Everton on Monday and missed the chance to top the tree at Christmas time for the first time since 1929. Goals from Tim Cahill and Leighton Baines put Everton two up before the game was even 20 minutes old and the Toffees managed to hang on for the win despite a relentless City onslaught.
Carlos Tevez gave Roberto Mancini and the City fans an early Christmas present two hours before the kickoff by withdrawing his transfer request. The skipper’s change of heart appeared to have given the whole team a lift as they quickly warmed to their task in the freezing conditions and began to stroke the ball around with confidence.
However, when Everton did gain possession and went forward themselves, City was found wanting in defense. With the clock moving up to the four-minute mark a simple cross found Tim Cahill completely unmarked at the near post. The Australian does not miss free headers from two yards out and Everton were a goal to the good.
The goal seemed to dent City’s confidence and on 11 minutes David Silva shot wide when one would have expected him to at least hit the target. Apart from allowing that opening for Silva, the visitors were enjoying a good spell.
A clash of heads between Cahill and Pablo Zabaleta resulted in both players temporarily leaving the field for attention. Cahill was soon back on, but the cut above Zabaleta’s left eye required stitches and a heavy bandage and City were down a defender for several minutes.
Everton duly took advantage of the Argentinian’s absence to extend their lead. Victor Anichebe moved into the gap down the left flank created by Zabaleta’s absence, found Cahill in the middle who tapped the ball into the path of the advancing Leighton Baines. The Everton number 3 curled a lovely shot inside the far post.
Carlos Tevez gave Roberto Mancini and the City fans an early Christmas present two hours before the kickoff by withdrawing his transfer request. The skipper’s change of heart appeared to have given the whole team a lift as they quickly warmed to their task in the freezing conditions and began to stroke the ball around with confidence.
However, when Everton did gain possession and went forward themselves, City was found wanting in defense. With the clock moving up to the four-minute mark a simple cross found Tim Cahill completely unmarked at the near post. The Australian does not miss free headers from two yards out and Everton were a goal to the good.
The goal seemed to dent City’s confidence and on 11 minutes David Silva shot wide when one would have expected him to at least hit the target. Apart from allowing that opening for Silva, the visitors were enjoying a good spell.
A clash of heads between Cahill and Pablo Zabaleta resulted in both players temporarily leaving the field for attention. Cahill was soon back on, but the cut above Zabaleta’s left eye required stitches and a heavy bandage and City were down a defender for several minutes.
Everton duly took advantage of the Argentinian’s absence to extend their lead. Victor Anichebe moved into the gap down the left flank created by Zabaleta’s absence, found Cahill in the middle who tapped the ball into the path of the advancing Leighton Baines. The Everton number 3 curled a lovely shot inside the far post.
