Everton put up a wall at the Etihad for 70 minutes before Guardiola swung his blonde wrecking ball

Erling Haaland scored twice in Manchester City's 2-0 win over Everton to dismantle the Toffees' defensive efforts and keep City in the title race driving seat.

In a tightly contested Premier League clash, Manchester City faced off against Sean Dyche's "parked bus" at the Etihad Stadium, with both teams aiming to secure crucial points - each team in their own domain. Despite dominating possession throughout the match, City struggled to break down Everton's resilient defence. But their blonde saviour showed why he was such an important player for them last season when he found the crucial goal with 20 minutes remaining.

The first half saw Manchester City dictating the game's tempo, maintaining possession and probing Everton's dense defensive block for openings. However, despite their dominance, City failed to register a single shot on target, as Everton's backline stood firm and limited their opportunities in the final third. On the other hand, the visitors showcased their defensive solidity and resilience, frustrating City's attacking players and looking to exploit opportunities on the counter-attack. The Toffees managed to create a few half-chances, but they were unable to convert them into goals.

The momentum of the match remained largely unchanged in the second half, with Manchester City continuing to dominate possession but struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. Everton maintained their defensive discipline, thwarting City's attacks and limiting them to speculative efforts from distance for 70 minutes.

As the match progressed, Manchester City introduced Kevin De Bruyne from the bench in search of a breakthrough. Just as it happened in City's exciting win at Newcastle a few weeks ago, KDB's magic touch helped turn a frustrating draw into a victory.

John Stones met a right-hand side corner, and after a scramble, Jarrad Branthwaite cleared it in Haaland's direction. The Norwegian struck it powerfully past Jordan Pickford to get his first goal since November. The keeper managed to get a touch on it, but it was not enough to stop the shot. To make matters worse for the England international keeper - he conceded a goal from City's first shot on target.

Haaland got his second goal five minutes from time when a rare City counter-attack put the former Borussia Dortmund attacker clear on goal. A delightful through pass from De Bruyne and Haaland's physical dominance resulted in one of the most straightforward goals the Premier League holders have scored this season.

The result keeps Manchester City top in the Premier League title race, while Everton remain in danger of dropping down to the EFL Championship.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 24

Saturday

Manchester City - Everton 2-0 (0-0)

/Haaland 71, 85/

18.00: (1.80) Luton (3.70) Sheffield Utd (5.00)

18.00: (1.17) Liverpool (8.00) Burnley (14.0)

18:00: (2.45) Fulham (3.50) Bournemouth (3.00)

18:00: (2.10) Wolverhampton (3.45) Brentford (3.50)

18.00: (1.85) Tottenham (4.20) Brighton (3.90)

20.30: (3.60) Nott.Forest (3.60) Newcastle (2.15)

Sunday

17.00: (6.25) West Ham (4.10) Arsenal (1.60)

19.30: (2.20) Aston Villa (3.60) Man.Utd. (3.40)

Monday

23.00: (4.40) Crystal Palace (3.50) Chelsea (1.85)

***odds are subject to change