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As it happenedended

Manchester City vs Everton: Pep Guardiola's side restore Premier League lead

Re-live the action from Etihad Stadium

Nathan Jacobs,Kishan Vaghela
Saturday 15 December 2018 06:50 EST
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Pep Guardiola reacts to Manchester City's win over Hoffenheim

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Gabriel Jesus struck twice as champions Manchester City reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

Raheem Sterling also got on the scoresheet, coming off the bench after a difficult week in the headlines, to make the game safe after the lively Dominic Calvert-Lewin had given Everton hope.

City's performance marked a strong return to form after last week's first league loss of the season at Chelsea and put pressure back on rivals Liverpool ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

City were further lifted by the return of Kevin De Bruyne as a substitute after six weeks out while Sergio Aguero was also back in the squad, although he did not come off the bench.

Manchester City 1-0 Everton - CHANCE CITY! 

The ball finds its way to Mahrez bang in the middle of the box. It bounced quite high but the Algerian still got good contact on the ball. 

His shot is powerful but it is at a good height for Pickford who gets behind it and palms it clear. 

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:11

Manchester City 1-0 Everton - 42 mins GOAL DISALLOWED! 

Everton could do with half time now, really. 

It's great work from Sane again and he threads the ball through for Jesus, who does look offside, and he smashes the ball beyond the English keeper. 

As expected though, the flag goes up for offside and it's the correct decision. 

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:13

HALF TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 EVERTON 

Despite Everton's positive start, they go in narrowly behind thanks to Jesus' clever goal, which was slotted underneath the frame of Jordan Pickford. 

City have been relatively in control of proceedings, certainly keeping the most of the ball. 

However, the Toffees will feel they could and maybe should have scored in the early periods of the game where Richarlison missed a great opportunity while Calvert Lewin's effort was well kept out by Ederson. 

There's only one goal in it so it's definitely all to play for in the second half. 

City's bench could cause some problems, mind you. 

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:18

MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 EVERTON 

Everton get us underway in the second half and keep the ball for most of the first minute. 

Yes, this is a highlight for most teams playing at the Etihad. 

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:33

GOAL! MANCHESTER CITY 2-0 EVERTON (Jesus, 49) 

What a fantastic goal by Manchester City early in this second half! 

They had been keeping the ball very well in the early parts and threatening to do something and then the ball came to Sane... 

Obviously the German winger had something under his sleeve and he got his foot under the ball to whip in a rather fabulous cross. 

The ball just flew over Keane's head, and who was waiting between Mina and Keane but Gabriel Jesus. 

The Brazilian gets a powerful header on the ball and sees it go past Pickford in a flash. 

Great start to the half for the Citizens who are heading top of the league the way things stand. 

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:40

Laporte has been down with a nasty looking head injury for the past 3 or 4 minutes but it looks like he's fit enough to carry on.

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:41

Jesus celebrating giving City the lead...  

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:42

Manchester City 2-0 Everton - 55 mins: 

Ademola Lookman and Theo Walcott are readying themselves on the bench and being given instructions by Marco Silva. 

Can they inspire a way back into this match?

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:43

They replace Seamus Coleman and Bernard respectively. 

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:44

Jesus getting City's second goal with a powerful header.

Nathan Jacobs15 December 2018 13:49

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