Everton 1:3 Manchester City: 3 reasons why the defending champions won the match | Premier League 2019/20

#1 Manchester City’s patience breaks down Everton’s resistance

City eventually broke down Everton's resistance

Manchester City started the game promisingly and immediately imposed themselves on proceedings. They controlled the tempo of the game and looked to methodically pick Everton apart.

The Cityzens fashioned themselves an early chance when Mahrez superbly found Gundogan at the back post. Yet, the German somehow managed to clatter his shot against the bar, despite being faced with an unguarded net.

Though the defending champions found the opener soon after, the Toffees came back into the match emphatically, sizing up the visitors and applying pressure themselves.

Subsequently, the pair indulged itself in a tense encounter where both teams looked capable of outwitting the other.

The second half started in a similar vein to the first period as the away side controlled possession. However, despite their enterprising approach play, they failed to make the net ripple. And, their woes in front of goal were compounded by Sterling’s shocking miss when sent clear by Mahrez.

Thus, at that juncture, many would’ve been forgiven to wonder if Saturday was just meant to be one of those days where the rub of the green would go against City. Fortunately for Guardiola though, his players didn’t give in to that notion and instead pressed for the advantage with more purpose.

Inevitably, their patience and perseverance was rewarded when Mahrez curled a free-kick past Pickford. A few minutes later, Sterling, guilty of being a little lacklustre earlier, killed the game off. Thus, through the course of the match, the Cityzens had highlighted their battling qualities.

And, while it would’ve been easier to look for a plan B after they came unstuck with plan A, they ensured nothing of the sort happened and rather utilised their original strategy with much more conviction.

After all, that’s what separates champions from also-rans, doesn’t it?