GABRIEL JESUS promised this is his time to shine – and he lit up the Etihad with two second half goals.
The Brazilian ace was given the nod ahead of Sergio Aguero and made the most of his chance – although in truth he should have gone home with the match-ball.
Gabriel Jesus scored twice as Man City beat Everton 2-1Credit: Getty Images
And while leaders Liverpool are still a long way out of sight, at least City are consolidating their place in the top four.
Pep Guardiola had to make a late change with keeper Ederson feeling ill before the game – so he was replaced by Claudio Bravo.
And the Chilean had to make an early save to tip a goal bound effort from Seamus Coleman over the bar – but then came the controversy.
Riyad Mahrez and Joao Cancelo combined down the right and a low cross from the Portuguese was tapped in at the back post by Phil Foden.
The Brazilian was in fine form as Man City won at homeCredit: Getty Images
But the celebrations were cut short as VAR showed Mahrez had been offside earlier in the move.
And there was more controversy minutes later as the Algerian was flagged offside but continued his run into the box and went down under Lucas Digne’s challenge.
The incident was checked several times before Andre Marriner eventually waved play on.
City created other chances with Mahrez forcing a smart save from Pickford then dragging an effort wide after good work by Jesus.
Richarlison pulled one back for Everton but it was too little, too lateCredit: Getty Images
A rare Everton attack saw Yerry Mina get up highest from a corner but he planted his header way too high.
Just as they were against Sheffield United on Sunday, City were brighter after the break and finally took the lead as Ilkay Gundogan played the ball forward.
Jesus controlled it and send a curled finish looping over Pickford to continue his excellent record against Everton
Just before the hour he made it seven in his last five Premier League matches against the Toffees as he ran onto a pass from Mahrez and blasted into the bottom corner.
That should have been game over but Bravo gifted the Toffees a way back in when his clearance landed at the feet of sub Moise Kean.
It ended with Theo Walcott whose cross shot was turned in at the back post by Richarlison.
Jesus had chances to put the result beyond doubt but he was twice denied by Pickford and on another occasion hit the post.
Pep Guardiola got the better of Bayern Munich successor Carlo AncelottiCredit: Getty Images
Chelsea will battle Man City to the signing of Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell, reports claim
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
