Manchester City won 3-1 at Everton on Saturday to keep pace in PL race

Gabriel Jesus, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling were on target as champions Manchester City won 3-1 at Everton on Saturday to stay five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Everton lost winger Theo Walcott in the opening minutes after he was struck in the face by a Sterling cross and had to be taken to hospital for checks.

After Ilkay Gundogan had hit the bar for City, Pep Guardiola's side grabbed a 24th-minute lead when Brazilian Jesus stooped at the back post to head in a Kevin De Bruyne cross.

A determined Everton got back on level terms, though, nine minutes later, when after a poor clearance from Fernandinho, Seamus Coleman lofted the ball goalwards and Dominic Calvert-Lewin dived to make sure with a header on the line.

There were chances for both teams before City got back in front with a low free-kick into the far corner from Mahrez after Yerry Mina had brought down De Bruyne.

Sterling made sure of the three points, blasting home off the underside of the bar after a low cross from substitute Sergio Aguero was deflected out off the foot of Everton keeper Jordan Pickford. Source [espnfc.com]

It was another landmark occasion for Raheem Sterling who was making his 200th career appearance for the Club.

Sterling has proved a key component in our success over the past two seasons.

The England winger was again a constant threat in possession and after being denied on a number of occasions, his patience was finally rewarded with his late strike.

Riyad Mahrez has been in sublime form since the start of the season and the Algerian was once again at his mesmeric best at Goodison.

His vision and skill proved a constant thorn in Everton’s side all evening and his link-up play with Kevin De Bruyne in particular constantly caught the eye. 

And his sensational second-half free-kick was no less than he deserved.

City return to Champions League action on Tuesday night when they play their second Group C clash at home to Dinamo Zagreb. Kick-off at Etihad Stadium is 8pm. Source [mancity.com]