Manchester City closed the gap
on Premier League leaders Chelsea to three points as
Yaya Toure's first-half penalty sealed a 1-0 win over Everton at the Etihad
Manuel Pellegrini’s men took advantage of their title rivals dropping points for the first time this season after the Blues fell to a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle in Saturday's early kick-off.
Manuel Pellegrini’s men took advantage of their title rivals dropping points for the first time this season after the Blues fell to a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle in Saturday's early kick-off.
City
were far from their sparkling best, but Toure's controversial spot kick was
enough to secure a hard earned victory against the battling Toffees, who
threatened to equalise in the closing stages.
The
Ivorian stepped up to coolly place his penalty past the diving Tim Howard after
Phil Jagielka was adjudged to have felled James Milner midway through the first-half.
The
hosts were dealt an early blow when top goal scorer Sergio Aguero limped off inside five minutes
after going down under a clumsy challenge from Muhamed Besic.
Everton
started the brighter with Romelu Lukaku causing
an early scare for the City back-four, the Belgian finding space on the left
but failing to find Samuel Eto’o at the back post, leaving Eliaquim Mangala to
clear with ease.
The
former Porto star was lucky to stay on the pitch moments
later when he produced a kung-fu style kick on Eto’o as the striker attempted
to get a shot off inside the box, with referee Andre Marriner only producing a yellow card to
the Frenchman.
City's
first real venture forward ended with a scuffed curling effort from Toure as
the defending champions tried to find a foothold in the game.
And
minutes later they were given a golden opportunity to take the lead after
Jagielka clumsily clashed with Milner, and Toure stepped up and confidently
sidefooted home to give the hosts the advantage.
Kevin
Mirallas' volley came close to bringing the Toffees level midway through the
first-half but his goal-bound effort deflected just wide of the post, and his
chance was the closest the visitors came to a leveller in a quiet opening 45
minutes.
The
hosts nearly doubled their lead four minutes into the second half through
youngster Jose Pozo – who was chosen to replace the injury stricken
Aguero. The 18-year-old met Milner’s cut back with a fine effort but the
Spaniard was magnificently denied his maiden Premier League goal
by the diving Howard.
Martinez
soon brought Ross Barkley on in an attempt to ignite some spark into Everton's
play as they continued to struggle to create any real openings.
And
his impact was almost immediate as the youngster darted through the City
midfield before finding Eto’o, who saw his shot expertly blocked by Fernando as
the visitors searched for an equaliser.
That
scare seemed to refocus Pellegrini’s men who had a number of inviting openings
with Jesus Navas and Milner both going close to
doubling the hosts advantage, only to find Everton shirts blocking everything
thrown at them.
Minutes
later it was Mangala’s turn to throw his body in front of the ball as Eto’o
belted an effort towards goal but the Frenchman's back deflected the ball past
Joe Hart’s post.
City
really should have made the game safe with 12 to go, Frank Lampard creating a chance with his first
touch as he dinked the ball through to Edin Dzeko, who then nodded to
Milner who lashed his volley over the crossbar from 12 yards.
And
they were nearly made to pay for that miss, as Hart came to the Citizens'
rescue with a stunning one handed save to deny Lukaku's late volley.
Everton
huffed and puffed in added time, but the hosts held on to claim a hard earned
victory to close the gap at the top to three points.
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