Man City player ratings vs Everton – Riyad Mahrez on top form as De Bruyne stars again

Manchester City beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park in a hard-fought tie on Saturday night.

The Citizens went 1-0 up after 24 minutes through Gabriel Jesus, who nodded the ball home after a delicious Kevin De Bruyne cross.

But the Toffees pegged City back just nine minutes later after Seamus Coleman picked up the ball at a tight angle in the box.

Ederson came out to challenge the right-back, but Coleman dinked the ball toward the far post, for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to steal his goal on the line.

Riyad Mahrez was the star of the show at Goodison, however, after constantly beating left-back Lucas Digne, and topping off his performance with a goal.

De Bruyne won a free-kick toward the edge of the Everton box, which Mahrez expertly dispatched.

Raheem Sterling added a late third to give the win some gloss.

The win means it’s back-to-back victories for City, who closed the gap to five points at the top of the table.

Pep Guardiola now has a run of favourable ties in the league, before facing Liverpool at Anfield in the middle of November.

Manchester City player ratings vs Everton

Ederson – 9

The goalkeeper made a couple of excellent saves to frustrate Yerry Mina from corners. Terrific when called upon.

Kyle Walker – 7

Made a number of bursting runs beyond the Everton backline to get City moving. Good performance from the right-back.

Nicolas Otamendi – 6

Dealt with the aerial threat of Everton well, winning a number of headers inside the box. But, made a brash challenege to get booked. Otamendi-like.

Fernandinho – 6

Not a bad performance from the Brazilian, and commanded the City defence well. Nothing exceptional, but that’s all that City need at the moment.

Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6

Struggled a number of times throughout the match, and made a few silly fouls to put the visitors under pressure from set-pieces. But made a some good passes when in danger of giving the ball away.

Rodri – 8

The rock in front of the City defence that always provides an outlay for the centre-backs. Always on the turn when receiving the ball.

Ilkay Gundogan – 6

Should’ve scored inside the first minute, but smashed the crossbar from a couple of yards out. But also made a very good pass in the second half to split the Everton defence.

Kevin De Bruyne – 9

Superlatives. Superlatives. Superlatives. End of.

Riyad Mahrez – 9

Looked like a completely different player from last season, as Mahrez continues to impress this year. A constant thorn in the Everton defence, playing a lovely ball through to Sterling, who should’ve scored. Scored a lovely free-kick to help City regain the lead.

Raheem Sterling – 7

Had a difficult start to the match and missed a big chance mid-way through the second-half. But kept his nerve excellently to score with his weaker foot late on.

Gabriel Jesus – 7

Couldn’t miss from De Bruyne’s cross for his goal, but was excellent in his hold-up play throughout.

Substitutes

Sergio Aguero – 6

Bernardo Silva – 6

David Silva – 6

source: express.co.uk