Manchester City finally held a clean sheet in yesterday’s 2-nil win over Everton. It was a crucial Premier League win for Pep Guardiola’s side. Erling Haaland will deservedly get the headlines for his match-winning brace. But the fact City didn’t allow Everton any opportunities from set pieces was a crucial part of City’s win.
While Pep Guardiola’s side wasn’t at their best for the majority of yesterday’s win they did successfully control the threat posed by Sean Dyche’s side. Everton had scored 13 times this season from set pieces. They sit second in the Premier League for goals scored from set pieces behind Arsenal. It is a major weapon in Everton’s game. Yesterday at the Etihad Stadium the champions successfully nullified this weapon of Sean Dyche’s side by not conceding a single corner and keeping free kicks to a minimum.
While the clean sheet was important for the champions the manner of their defensive display was just as important. Manchester City were rarely troubled by a stubborn Everton outfit. The fact that Pep Guardiola’s side completely took away Everton’s strength helped them overcome a stubborn Everton resistance. City’s strength at the back paved the way for Erling Haaland to make his match-winning impact.
It was an impressive defensive display from City. After only holding one clean sheet in their past 12 games before yesterday’s win a clean sheet was required by City. But the manner of how the clean sheet came was just as important for Pep Guardiola’s side. To completely nullify Everton’s main threat went a long way in winning yesterday’s match.
If the Manchester City defence performs like they did yesterday on the run home they will provide a solid base for City’s chase for history.
