Manchester City 3-1 Everton: Ugly

Rather predictably, Everton hosted Manchester City today and were summarily dismissed by a 3-1 score. Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus, and Raheem Sterling scored for the visitors, while Yannick Bolasie netted a consolation goal for the Blues. The only thing pretty about it all was City’s football.

• There was no excuse for Sam Allardyce to select the midfield he did today. Morgan Schneiderlin and Wayne Rooney are not only a bad fit together, they’re both horrifically out of form. On cue, they were overrun by Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho in the first half. Even more telling was that Tom Davies immediately improved the side when he came on in the second half.
• The midfield construction on the day meant it is very difficult to blame the defense or goalkeeping for any of the goals Everton conceded. Manchester City were allowed to do whatever they wished in the build-up, and it showed.
• Everton’s substitutions were equally baffling. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was removed for Beni Baningime when the game was needing two goals, and Cenk Tosun was substituted despite not setting a foot wrong.
• If you’re noticing a trend, you’d be right - it’s Sam Allardyce. It’s one thing to attack Manchester City and fail. It’s one thing to fail to defend Manchester City. But to act afraid - at home - of anyone? That’s inexcusable. City fans were taunting Evertonians with a chant of “you’ve got Sam Allardyce” and, well, you can’t really blame them.
• It was good to see Yannick Bolasie back on the scoresheet. He’s had a rough run of form since he returned from a torn ACL, and the goal was his first in nearly 600 days. Nice shot, too.
• Another streak finally broken? Pep Guardiola’s record against Everton - the win was his first in four tries. When you go to sleep tonight, just think about Tom Davies’ goal against City at Goodison last season. That was pleasant.

Please let this season end.