Premier League – City come from behind to end Everton’s unbeaten run

Premier League, Etihad Stadium – Manchester City 3 (Negredo 17, Aguero 45, Howard o.g. 70) Everton 1 (Lukaku 16).

Manchester City came from behind to beat Everton 3-1, ending the Toffees’ unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign.

Everton, previously the only unbeaten side, went ahead throughRomelu Lukaku but Alvaro Negredo, Sergio Aguero and an unfortunate own-goal by Tim Howard saw City take three points, ending their poor run of form.

The visitors went ahead when Lukaku was played onside by Vincent Kompany before leaving Joleon Lescott for dead before firing it in off Joe Hart, under pressure after recent mistakes.

City responded immediately, levelling when Yaya Toure played through Negredo, who finished off Howard.

Despite losing Kompany to injury, the hosts went on to dominate, Aguero missing several chances before putting his side ahead just before the break, finishing across Howard after a fine pass by David Silva.

Everton seemed to be running out of attacking ideas, and it was only a matter of time before City added a third, awarded a penalty when Seamus Coleman pulled back Pablo Zabaleta.

Aguero was denied by Howard’s great save, but the ball ricocheted off the post before striking the American’s head to go in. ‘Unfortunate’ did not do it justice.

The match fizzled out as City comfortably closed out a win that puts them second on goal difference, although the full league programme is to follow.

KEY MOMENTS

Pre-match – Silva lining for City: Spain playmaker David Silva returned from injury for the hosts, who retained Hart in goal despite recent clangers. Everton were without Gareth Barry, ineligible against his parent club, but Kevin Mirallas was fit to start.

16’ – GOAL (Manchester City 0-1 Everton): Lukaku is played onside by a dozy Kompany, before skinning Lescott and firing a low finish off Hart. City don’t cover themselves in glory.

17’ – GOAL (Manchester City 1-1 Everton): Negredo levels immediately, rifling it in via Howard after a lovely through-ball from Toure.

26’ – CHANCE: Aguero puts the ball inches wide after a beautiful free-kick routine. Should have scored.

39’ – CHANCE: More embarrassment for Aguero as he misses the ball and falls over after being played clean through by Negredo.

45’ – GOAL (Manchester City 2-1 Everton): Aguero makes amends with a cool low finish across Howard after Silva’s glorious pass.

68’ – PENALTY! Zabaleta is pulled back by Coleman and City have a spot-kick.

70’ – GOAL (Manchester City 2-1 Everton): Aguero’s penalty is saved by Howard, but the ball goes in off the keeper’s head.

KEY STATS

Manchester City extended their home scoring streak to 54 Premier League matches

Lukaku scored the 50th goal by a Belgian in the Premier League this calendar. Only English players have scored more (189)

Negredo scored his 20th league goal in 2013. Of all players in England and Spain in 2013, only Messi (28) and Cristiano Ronaldo (26) have more

City have never lost a game when Aguero has scored – 30 games, 28 wins, two draws

TALKING POINT – Should Milner have been sent off? The England midfielder wasn’t even booked by Jon Moss for a reckless, late challenge on James McCarthy just before half-time. He wasn’t even booked.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City): Took his goal well and was a constant threat with his power, pace and clever hold-up play.

PLAYER RATINGS

Man City: Hart 6, Zabaleta 7, Lescott 6, Kompany 5, Silva 7, Kolarov 7, Fernandinho 6, Toure 7, Milner 7, Negredo 8, Aguero 7. Subs: Clichy 6, Nastasic 7, Nasri 6

Everton: Howard 6, Baines 6, Distin 6, Jagielka 6, Coleman 6, McCarthy 6, Osman 5, Naismith 6, Barkley 6, Mirallas 6, Lukaku 7. Subs: Gibson 6, Kone 6, Deulofeu 6

Source : http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/