Haaland’s Brace Sends City Top (For Now) as Everton Exit Empty-Handed

Match Summary

Manchester City climbed to the top of the Premier League temporarily with a valuable 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday, in the eighth round of the season. The Norwegian star Erling Haaland struck both goals in the 58th and 63rd minutes. City move to 16 points, level with Arsenal on goal difference, while Everton stay on 11 points in 10th place.

In a cautious start, Everton pressed high early, creating danger through Ndai’s runs and forcing a timely clearance from Ruben Dias. City responded with Savinho pulling the strings, and Doku testing Pickford with a powerful effort. A near-miss at 13 minutes saw Ndai set up a chance for a forward who couldn’t convert. The first half ended goalless after a flurry of chances, including another moment when Ndai’s through ball found a forward in the box but could not finish past the goalkeeper.

City’s attack intensified after the break. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Ndai sent in a precise cross from the left, Haaland rose highest and headed home to make it 1-0. Just five minutes later, the Norwegian striker doubled City’s lead with a low, clinical finish after a clever pass from Savinho, sealing a 2-0 advantage for the hosts.

From there, City dominated possession, probing for a third as Foden tested the woodwork with a curling strike in the 68th minute. Substitutes and late chances followed, but Everton could not find a route back. Haaland even had a late opportunity to add a third, but the ball slipped wide as the clock ran down. The match finished 2-0, sending City to the summit for now and restoring confidence ahead of the coming fixtures.

Everton, meanwhile, looked exhausted under the higher tempo and could not replicate earlier moments of danger, particularly after the late substitutions that altered the balance. The result underscored City’s continued homegrown efficiency and Haaland’s ongoing impact this season.

Key Moments

Early in the game, Ndai’s runs and a dangerous cross tested City’s defense, with Dias clearing under pressure. City responded through Savinho and Doku as the visitors looked to threaten on the break. The steadfastness of Pickford prevented an earlier opener, while city’s persistence paid off after the break.

The 58th-minute cross by Ndai found Haaland, who rose to meet it and head past Pickford for the opener. In the 63rd minute, Savinho delivered another incisive pass, Haaland finished again, and City took a commanding lead. The home side then controlled play, with Foden forcing a shot that shaved the corner and Testament to City’s pressure, before Everton’s resistance finally waned.

Final phases saw City controlling the tempo and Everton looking for a consolation without finding it. The match ended with City in a favorable position atop the table for the moment, while Everton remained mid-table, their brief spark dampened by the final score.