Erling Haaland brace puts Man City top as title rivals sent message - 5 talking points

Manchester City now sit top of the Premier League table after Erling Haaland's second-half brace meant the reigning champions beat Everton 2-0.

Pep Guardiola's men have not tasted defeat on their own patch in 32 games, a run spanning across 15 months, so the odds of an Everton upset were always slim. Sean Dyche was unable to watch from his technical area after serving a one-game ban from the touchline, in what was his 300th game as a manager.

The opening exchanges of the tie saw plenty of City possession, but Everton had some positive moments while trying to hurt their hosts on the counter-attack. The first-half came and went with precious little to note, with Jeremy Doku the only player for the home side who really threatened to get the better of the Toffees backline.

By the time the half-time whistle was blown, Guardiola cut a frustrated figure. Jordan Pickford was not required to make a single save in the opening 45 minutes, as City failed to muster up a shot on target in the first half for the first time since August 2022.

One clean sheet in City's last 12 coming into the tie meant Guardiola would have been concerned the longer the game went without a goal for his side, but with 20 minutes to spare Haaland stepped up to be the saviour.

His thunderous right-footed effort from close range was enough to break Everton hearts after a spirited away performance. Soon after, he had another, this time with his left as Haaland netted his 50th Premier League goal in 50 Premier League games.

The Toffees fought tirelessly to ensure they left the Etihad with something to show for themselves, but in the end City's brilliance told. Mirror Football has analysed five of the fixture's main talking points.

He was barely involved at all.