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.
Everton Under Siege From this moment on City laid siege to the Everton goal. Shots rained in and bodies were put on the line as David Moyes’s defenders made block after block.
City had a couple of appeals for handball, one of which Everton captain Phil Neville was probably lucky to get away with. David Silva continued to look like City’s most dangerous attacker with the newly reconciled Tevez somewhat below his best.
Everton were grateful for the half time whistle and 15 minutes of respite, but it was more of the same when hostilities were renewed. James Milner gave way to Adam Johnson for the second half as City sought for a means of unlocking the Everton defense.
Milner currently looks a pale shadow of the player who was outstanding for Aston Villa last season. City and England supporters alike will be hoping he can quickly turn things around.
The Toffees stuck to their guns, massing players behind the ball and making it difficult for the home team to find a way through. Their task was made even harder when Anichebe received two yellow cards in quick succession and was given his marching orders.
On 71 minutes, Silva and Johnson combined to set up Yaya Toure whose shot deflected off Phil Jagielka and past American goalkeeper Tim Howard into the net.
City continued to drive forward and on 87 minutes Yaya Toure found space on the edge of the box. The Ivory Coast international launched a veritable missile which drew a fingertip save from Howard at full stretch.
Five minutes later, and into stoppage time, Tevez produced his best effort of the night. It was another stern test for Tim Howard who was again up to the task and saved acrobatically.
A frustrated Kolo Toure was dismissed for two yellow cards in stoppage time as City tried to salvage something from a game they had dearly wanted to win.
With both sides down to 10 men, some of the pressure was taken off the visitors and they managed to reach the end with no further scares. This was Everton’s first win in eight attempts.
The elation of the Merseyside’s club’s supporters, players, and manager at the final whistle was such that you would have thought the win had taken them to the top of the table rather than up to 14th.
City had a couple of appeals for handball, one of which Everton captain Phil Neville was probably lucky to get away with. David Silva continued to look like City’s most dangerous attacker with the newly reconciled Tevez somewhat below his best.
Everton were grateful for the half time whistle and 15 minutes of respite, but it was more of the same when hostilities were renewed. James Milner gave way to Adam Johnson for the second half as City sought for a means of unlocking the Everton defense.
Milner currently looks a pale shadow of the player who was outstanding for Aston Villa last season. City and England supporters alike will be hoping he can quickly turn things around.
The Toffees stuck to their guns, massing players behind the ball and making it difficult for the home team to find a way through. Their task was made even harder when Anichebe received two yellow cards in quick succession and was given his marching orders.
On 71 minutes, Silva and Johnson combined to set up Yaya Toure whose shot deflected off Phil Jagielka and past American goalkeeper Tim Howard into the net.
City continued to drive forward and on 87 minutes Yaya Toure found space on the edge of the box. The Ivory Coast international launched a veritable missile which drew a fingertip save from Howard at full stretch.
Five minutes later, and into stoppage time, Tevez produced his best effort of the night. It was another stern test for Tim Howard who was again up to the task and saved acrobatically.
A frustrated Kolo Toure was dismissed for two yellow cards in stoppage time as City tried to salvage something from a game they had dearly wanted to win.
With both sides down to 10 men, some of the pressure was taken off the visitors and they managed to reach the end with no further scares. This was Everton’s first win in eight attempts.
The elation of the Merseyside’s club’s supporters, players, and manager at the final whistle was such that you would have thought the win had taken them to the top of the table rather than up to 14th.
