BY JERRY MOREL
Coming off the back of a thrilling 3-2 victory over Derby the previous weekend, the Sky Blues were aiming for their second consecutive league win, and they certainly delivered in style.
From the outset, City dominated. The opening 15 minutes saw Emilio Lawrence electrify the left wing, dazzling with his footwork and creativity. Despite his best efforts, Lawrence couldn’t convert several promising chances set up by Benjamin Wilkinson’s well-drilled side.
Emilio Lawrence of Manchester City in action during the Premier League 2 clash between Manchester City vs Everton at the Joie Stadium on September 01, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Isaac Parkin/Manchester City FC)
City’s breakthrough came in the 34th minute, following a sublime build-up play. Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, showcasing a burst of speed down the right wing, slotted the ball into the back of the net, giving City a deserved lead.
Everton had moments of promise, like when their number nine, Martin Sherriff, sent a header just wide from a Roman Dixon cross. However, City’s defence remained unyielding, snuffing out any threat the Toffees posed.
Just nine minutes later, in the 43rd minute, City doubled their lead. A corner kick was flicked on at the near post, allowing Max Alleyne to coolly slot the ball home. With a 2-0 lead, City seemed in complete control, and Everton’s frustration began to show.
As the half-time whistle approached, tensions boiled over. Everton’s number ten, Charlie Whitaker, attempted to earn a penalty with a blatant dive in the Sky Blues’ box.
The referee was having none of it, brandishing a yellow card. Unfortunately for Whitaker, it was his second of the match, resulting in a red card and leaving Everton with ten men for the remainder of the game.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of Manchester City in action during the Premier League 2 clash between Manchester City vs Everton at the Joie Stadium on September 01, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Isaac Parkin/Manchester City FC)
With a numerical advantage, City looked to capitalise, and they did just that. In the 53rd minute, Alfa-Ruprecht struck again, finishing off a perfect assist from Justin Oboavwoduo to make it 3-0.
The Oboavwoduo show was far from over. Just twelve minutes later, he found the net himself, adding a fourth goal to City’s tally and leaving Everton in disarray.
In the 78th minute, Oboavwoduo capped off a superb afternoon, scoring his second goal of the match, bringing the scoreline to an emphatic 5-0.
With two wins in three games, City now sit fifth in the table and look ahead to their next challenge a Manchester derby against United on September 21st.
