Five talking points as Man City boost title hopes with comeback win over Everton
Manchester City came from behind to secure a much-needed win 3-1 at Everton.
The reigning Premier League champions endured a frustrating first half at Goodison Park as they struggled to find a way past Jordan Pickford. Those frustrations were compounded when Jack Harrison scored a tap-in after Dwight McNeil forced Rodri into losing the ball.
But Phil Foden scored from long distance to equalise eight minutes into the second period, before Julian Alvarez put them in front from the penalty spot. Bernardo Silva wrapped up the points with a beautiful finish over the head of Pickford. Mirror Football looks at the game's five biggest talking points.
City bolster title hopes
Manchester City's hopes of winning a fourth successive Premier League title looked to be hanging by a thread at half-time. But a brilliant second-half showing from the reigning champions got their title bid back on track.
A run of one win in six games had derailed City's desire to finish top once again. But after a nervy opening 45 minutes, Guardiola's side settled into their gameplan and were able to keep Everton under immense pressure.
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The win means they are only five points behind leaders Liverpool, with City also holding a game in hand over Jurgen Klopp's side. After a difficult run of form, the manner of Thursday's comeback can help City wrestle back the momentum in the title race.
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Rodri's night to forget
Rodri endured a difficult night at Goodison Park (PA)There was some doubt that Rodri would be fit enough to feature on Merseyside after being on the end of a bad tackle against Fluminense. The midfielder was forced off with a knee issue, but escaped serious injury to start against the Toffees.
But it was a night to forget for the Spain international, who did not look at his best. He was dispossessed inside the box to allow Dwight McNeil to set up Jack Harrison for his goal, with referee John Brooks paying no attention to his demands for a free-kick.
It was a catastrophic error from the City star and one a veteran player should not be making. He was then lucky to escape a caution when he made a late tackle on James Garner at the end of a first-half in which City lost the midfield battle.
Toffees run out of steam
Amadou Onana committed a handball to allow Julian Alvarez to net the winner with a penaltyEverton boss Sean Dyche appeared to have designed the perfect gameplan as the match reached half-time. Their pressing when City had the ball appeared to catch the reigning champions totally by surprise.
The visitors were faced with a swarm of Toffees players when they had the ball near their own box, which led directly to Harrison's goal. But the hosts ran out of steam after the break as they were placed under immense pressure by City.
Jordan Pickford was tested regularly and two mistakes from the England international led to Foden's goal. With City dominant, Everton found it harder and harder to gain a foothold and escape the pressure they were being put under.
Growing problem for Guardiola
John Stones was forced off injured to create a problem in defence for Pep GuardiolaCity boss Pep Guardiola is facing a growing problem with his side's defensive solidity. Harrison's first-half tap-in means that the champions have now gone nine Premier League games without a clean sheet.
That is the first time City have been so porous for five years, with Guardiola's men having conceded more goals than both Liverpool and Arsenal, who are their main title rivals. The struggles at the back have also been compounded by injuries.
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Ruben Dias was not fit enough to travel for Thursday's clash, while John Stones was forced off in the first-half. Despite the win, City's problems at the back have been exposed more than ever this season, which will leave Guardiola concerned.
Foden to the rescue
City were struggling to find a way past Pickford before Phil Foden stepped up with a brilliant goal. The ball fell to the midfielder on the edge of the box, with the Englishman taking a step forward.
Pickford moved towards his right, opening up a space for Foden to fire the ball into the near post. It was a goal that sparked the comeback for City, with Everton's resilience melting away after Foden finished his celebrations.
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