With Everton knowing a win would help out their close rivals Liverpool win the Premier League, plenty of conspiracy theorists thought the Toffees would lose on purpose against title-chasing Manchester City on Saturday.
Ross Barkley didn’t get the memo, as after 10 minutes Everton were ahead through Barkley’s moment of individual brilliance. The youngster latched onto a layoff from Naismith and curled a stunning strike into the far corner as Joe Hart’s despairing dive got nowhere near Barkley’s effort. Everton had thrown a spanner in the works of City’s title charge.
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However in the 22nd minute Sergio Aguero broke free and smashed home at the near post past Tim Howard to make it 1-1 midway through the first half as City didn’t take long to hit back. Although Aguero didn’t last much longer as the Argentine forward limped off after hurting himself in the process of scoring the goal.
City pushed to go ahead before the break as Yaya Toure surged into the box but his cross was cleared by Everton skipper Phil Jagielka. It was all City for the remaining moments of the first half and Dzeko headed home in the 43rd minute to turn the game on its head and give City a 2-1 lead at the break.
Can the Citizens extend their lead at Goodison Park or will Everton fight back?
