The Top Flight
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English Premier League: Thank Jesus for Laporte as Man City claims 1st place

By Ashley Anthony

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrate victory during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester City at Goodison Park on February 06, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City celebrate victory during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester City at Goodison Park on February 06, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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The first game of double game weeks was a display of City not at their best and Everton an inch away from making a difference in the title race.

Two goals to zero, was the final score before the final whistle was blown. This was also not a true reflection of the game. Everton looked a bright side despite how the atmosphere was when the team selection was met with groans and question marks.

Little did they know…

The team selected would not concede a goal until extra time, in the first half of the game. Mind you; it was the only one minute of added time, and the Citizens managed to score a goal in it. Efficiency? Or Luck? Aymeric Laporte was the man to drew first blood and hit Everton where they weakest.

Silva’s men then came out in the second half as the better team. However, a lot of noise but nothing coming from it. So little came from the possession, the home side could only manage four shots at goal, with one falling on target. (Kind of hard to explain how they were the better team with so little to show for in the stats) This showcases the failure in the final third for the Toffees.

Pep’s men were less than fine wine. They give the impression of a team under some pressure but applied their focus at the right moments of the game. Late in the first half and late in the second half. The likes of Kevin de Bruyne on return, linked up with Gabriel Jesus in the final minutes of the game, making sure they took the top spot from Liverpool before the weekend.

The manager can be pleased his Man City side dug deep and scrapped together an ugly victory. Silva must be displeased his side failed to score in another fixture. They’ve now managed to only score three goals in their last four Premier League outings.

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The one positive to take from this for Everton, Idrissa Gueye and Tom Davies were excellent in their roles, as well as, Andre Gomes, despite being taken off early. Micheal Keane, Kurt Zouma, Lucas Digne, and Jonjoe Kennyand, all had good performances in the back line, but evidently, let in two goals.

Many things to improve on for both sides before the weekend.

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