Pep Guardiola was impressed with Everton’s organisation as Manchester City fought hard to secure a 3-1 Premier League win at Goodison Park, as he told the club’s official website.
Three days after that dismal 2-0 home defeat to Fulham, the Toffees came unstuck on home soil once again.
But if being swatted aside by a team in the relegation zone was unacceptable, Everton supporters can feel a bit more pride about the way the team went about their business against the runaway Premier League leaders on Wednesday.
City struggled to open up a disciplined, well-drilled side and only sealed a 17th consecutive victory thanks to stunning second-half efforts from Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva; even if both Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane may feel they could have done more to stop the third and final goal.
“This was a really tough game against a well organised Carlo team. It was difficult for wingers not easy to find space, so we were patient,” Guardiola said after his team moved ten points clear of Manchester United.
“We conceded one goal but not another. Goodison Park is always tough but I’m incredibly satisfied with the mentality.
“Like at Anfield (in the recent 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool), we worked really hard and today was tough, they defended deep and are a really good team.”
With just four wins in 12 games on home soil this season, Everton’s form at Goodison is starting to become a real concern.
While their effort and endeavour was to be admired against a rampant City side, they barely posted a threat after Richarlison’s bundled, first-half finish.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin cannot return soon enough.
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