The left-back showed his striker's instinct to give the largely uninspiring visitors the edge before Mateo Kovacic wrapped up win
Nico O'Reilly continued his dream debut season with Manchester City by putting his uninspiring side on the way to a massive 2-0 victory at Everton which could prove crucial to their bid to qualify for the Champions League. The 20-year-old broke the deadlock in an often dull match in the 84th minute before substitute Mateo Kovacic clinched the victory in added time. The win took Pep Guardiola's side up to fourth in the Premier League table, albeit with their rivals to finish in the top five all still to play later this weekend.
The first half made for bleak viewing. James Tarkowski's header against the post was Everton's only attempt of note. Matheus Nunes did force a smart save from Jordan Pickford while Kevin De Bruyne thundered a shot that looked to be goal-bound before it was bravely blocked by the head of Jake O'Brien. The lack of quality was striking, best summed up when Matheus Nunes committed a foul throw.
The second half wasn't much better but Pep Guardiola looked to his bench, throwing on Kovacic and Jeremy Doku. Soon after Nunes teed O'Reilly up in the six-yard box and the youngster got the crucial touch to beat Jordan Pickford and give City a lead they barely deserved.
Kovacic then banged in a second in the 91st minute which finished off Everton once and for all. It was far from pretty, but City survived a tricky trip to Merseyside and returned with the maximum points.
GOAL rates Man City's players from Goodison Park…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Threw his arms into the air to block Jarrad Branthwaite's close-range header then stopped Abdoulaye Doucoure at the near post. A smart throw out set Savinho free on the attack. Did not always transmit security from crosses though.
Matheus Nunes (6/10):
His low effort was one of City's few shots in the first half but this was a mostly scruffy performance from the midfielder-turned-right-back. His foul throw was indicative of his display, but all was forgiven when he played the match-winning pass to O'Reilly
Ruben Dias (5/10):
Given a few scares by Doucoure. Had the most touches of a City player in the first half but the most they amounted to were a couple of hopeful long balls that were easily cut out.
Josko Gvardiol (5/10):
Beaten in air by Tarkowski when he hit the post. Saw a lot of the ball but never caused any danger and it appears he is not as useful in the middle of defence as at left-back.
Nico O'Reilly (8/10):
Another encouraging display was rounded off by him grabbing the winner, showing the instinct of a natural No. 9.
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Nico Gonzalez (5/10):
Gave City control in the middle albeit sterile control, rarely stretching Everton. Indeed, the breakthrough came when he had been taken off for Kovacic.
Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
Tried to influence the play from deep but didn't take many risks until he teed up Kovacic for the second. It was a far cry from when he scored twice here in the 2023 title run-in.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
A competent but largely uninspiring performance, failing to get in the usual danger areas.
Attack
Kevin De Bruyne (5/10):
Came close to breaking the deadlock with his thumping effort which hit O'Brien's face but it was the one moment of quality as he cut a frustrated figure, misplacing passes and struggling to create any spark.
Omar Marmoush (4/10):
Gave Everton very little to think about and rarely even got in or around the area. His only effort was when he was played in and scuffed his shot straight at Jordan Pickford.
Savinho (6/10):
His bursts of pace were City's main outlet but he was removed for Doku when the game was still goalless.
Subs & Manager
Jeremy Doku (6/10):
Gave City a bit more penetration in behind.
Mateo Kovacic (7/10):
Sewed up the points with his powerful late strike, his second goal in as many games.
Manuel Akanji (N/A):
Made his comeback from injury in the 88th minute.
Pep Guardiola (6/10):
Must have been bored stiff watching that but his changes helped City earn three priceless points.
