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Manchester City took full advantage of Chelsea’s slip-up against Newcastle earlier today as they pipped Everton 1-0 to consolidate their second position in the points table. They now sit comfortably with 33 points, just three points adrift from Chelsea. The solitary goal came through a soft penalty awarded to City which was dispatched home by Yaya Toure.
Although the win came at a cost as City’s prolific striker Aguero was substitued early on in the game due to a knock to his knee. The severity of injury is yet to be ascertained but the tears of Aguero portends a worst case scenario for the champions with the crucial Champions League match against Roma in offing. Aguero was substituted by the young Joze Pozo.
City revived from the early shock exit of Aguero and pressed Everton hard. Yaya’s first measured effort in the 20th minute went wide off the post.However soon after, James Milner was felled by Jagielka inside the box. Despite no claims from Milner, referee awarded a harsh penalty which Yaya calmly dispatched it into the net to take a 1-0 lead.
Everton could not produce any fruitful chance before half-time as City went into the break with a slender lead of one goal.
City continued with their onslaught in the second half when in the 50th minute when a cut back from Milner was fired by Pozo only to be denied by a reflex save from Howard.
Unable to match the intensity of City in the midfield, Everton soon introduced Barkley to bring some vigour and creativity in their attack.They finally mustered their best chance in the 82nd minute when an unstoppable volley from Romelu Lukaku forced a superb save from Joe Hart.
Inspite of last ditch pressure from Everton, City stood still to snatch a hard fought victory. This win takes them an inch closer to Chelsea to dethrone them from the top of the points table.
Hart’s save off Lukaku’s shot has to be one of the saves of the season.
