Silva inspires as City claim all three points at Goodison Park

Manchester City claimed their 17th consecutive win extending their lead at the top of the table after they beat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park.

An early goal from England starlet Phil Foden opened the scoring before Richarlison levelled for the Toffees just five minutes later. City responded in the second half as Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva reclaimed the lead for Pep Guardiola’s side as they claimed all three points, and moved 10 points over rivals Manchester United.

City dominated the early stages as expected, with Everton looking to regain some momentum after their recent loss to Fulham at the weekend. Gabriel Jesus went close in the early exchanges after he was fed through by Rodri, Michael Keane did his utmost to put the Brazilian off as he saw his shot fly over the crossbar.

Phil Foden converted the team’s early dominance into an opening goal in the 32nd minute as Mahrez’s cross was only half-cleared, the ball fell to the 20-year old who’s shot took a big deflection of Seamus Coleman as he saw his effort fly past England number one Jordan Pickford.

The Toffees responded five minutes later they found a equaliser through Richarlison. Coleman was an integral part of the move as he whipped in a cross which found its way to Lucas Digne at the far post, the Frenchman struck the frame of the goal with the rebound finding its way onto the Brazilian’s thigh to make it 1-1.

It was a positive half for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they stood firm to any pressure that City mounted on their back four, doubling up in wide areas was key to keep out the likes of Raheem Sterling and Mahrez. It was the first time that City had conceded in the first half since their 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge in the New Year.

City started the second half how they started the first as they created their first opening in a matter of minutes as Silva watched his low effort enter the arms of Pickford. Jesus later created himself a bit of space but saw his second effort of the day fly wide of the near post.

Everton continued to drop their backline deeper and deeper as City stepped up their pressure in the bid to regain the lead of the game. Their luck ran out when Silva drifted inside from the left occupying both Tom Davies and Lucas Digne. He laid off Mahrez who made an inside run before bending his effort beyond an outstretched Pickford as it nestled into the far post.

Bernardo Silva sealed all three points when he was layed-off by Jesus, the Portuguese playmaker ran at the Everton defence as he shifted the ball away from Michael Keane before powerfully finishing his effort past Pickford.

Guardiola used the remainder of the match to introduce Kevin De Bruyne after his one-month absence from the starting 11 due to injury.

A stand out performer throughout the whole game was Bernando Silva who asked the issue of the Everton defence on multiple occasions with his direct running, as well as movement off the ball to intertwine with the likes of Mahrez given both of the players are used to playing on the wing.

The Portuguese playmaker constantly drifted inside from the right committing defenders which opened up space for his colleagues to create a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Everton decided to step off the 26-year old in the final stages as he claimed City’s third, confirming all three points.

Silva has faced criticism in the past as he looked to fill a void created by a departing David Silva, which was not helped when De Bruyne was sidelined for some time. This game showcased that the Portuguese can be an influential part of the team given his immense versatility to play within midfield or across a three upfront.

It is currently Silva’s worse return since joining the club in 2017 as he has only been directly involved in five goals from 18 fixtures this season. In the three years prior he had been involved in 10 or more of City’s goals each campaign.

His game time has drastically dropped off too since being involved in 34+ games every year before this season, .

With the recent increased playing time of Phil Foden, who can operate a similar role within the squad, it is a big few months for the 26-year old as he looks to secure his place in the team with the Euros also quickly approaching this summer.

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