Haaland’s Brace Sends Manchester City to Premier League Summit – Can Anyone Stop Guardiola’s Men?

Let me tell you, watching Manchester City climb to the summit of the Premier League has been nothing short of spectacular lately. This time, it was Erling Haaland who stole the show with a clinical double strike that sealed a 2-0 victory over Everton. Now, don’t be fooled — Everton gave City a run for their money in the first half, nearly pulling off an upset that would’ve rattled even the calmest Pep Guardiola. Still, when the second half rolled around, Haaland’s prowess on the pitch shone through like a beacon, with a towering header from a pinpoint cross by Nico O’Reilly and a cheeky low finish that squirmed past Jordan Pickford, pushing City ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for the top spot. And talk about timing — Crystal Palace’s late equalizer against Bournemouth only sweetened City’s climb to the top, setting the stage perfectly before the Gunners face Fulham. If you’re as hooked on every twist and turn as I am, you’ll want to dig deeper into the action. LEARN MORE

Manchester City moved top of the Premier League table as a brace from Erling Haaland saw them cruise to a 2-0 win over Everton.

Everton frustrated City in the first half and perhaps should have taken a shock lead, but talisman Haaland predictably had a decisive say as City put the game to bed in the second half.

The Norwegian headed City in front in the 58th minute as he powered home from Nico O’Reilly’s left-wing cross.

And five minutes later he doubled City’s advantage and left Everton with a mountain they could not climb, his low effort somehow creeping below Jordan Pickford to go above Arsenal and Liverpool, with Crystal Palace’s late equaliser against Bournemouth ensuring Pep Guardiola’s men do move to the summit ahead of the Gunners’ game with Fulham.

City frustrated, Everton twice go close

Beto saw a glorious chance to break the deadlock for Everton go begging as Beto was unable to make proper contact with Iliman Ndiaye’s low cross.

Jake O’Brien headed against his own post from a corner under pressure from Haaland at the other end, but the visitors continued to cause problems and only a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma prevented Ndiaye from putting Everton ahead.

Jeremy Doku should have done better when he was played in by Tijjani Reijnders, but Pickford was equal to his effort and parried clear.

Haaland does it again

Yet there was nothing the England international, who signed a new contract with Everton this week, could do to keep out a superb Haaland header after excellent work from O’Reilly.

Everton had a big appeal for handball turned down just after the hour mark, and moments later they fell further behind when Foden and Savinho combined to tee up Haaland, with Pickford enduring a moment to forget as the ball squirmed home.

Pickford atoned himself somewhat with a string of saves to deny Haaland a hat-trick, but the day still belonged to the Norwegian as City maintained their momentum to put pressure on both Arsenal and reigning champions Liverpool, who face Manchester United on Sunday.