MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - EVERTON 0-3 MANCHESTER CITY

After a frustrating first 35 minutes, Manchester City eventually ran out as comfortable 3-0 winners over a stubborn and resilient Everton side.

The Blues, playing in their neon green and black striped third kit, found it difficult to break through Everton's low block. The Toffees lined up in a narrow 4-5-1 shape, with lone striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was replaced at half time, having to do a lot of the forward work by himself.

It suddenly became apparent that if City were to score first, then Everton would find it difficult to respond, due to their lack of a goal threat, which is how it turned out.

Pep Guardiola's side took the lead just 8 minutes before half time, as Riyad Mahrez's right wing cross was controlled by the thigh of Ilkay Gundogan. City's skipper then proceeded to flick the ball into the back of the net with the outside of his right foot, past the diving Jordan Pickford.

It was a goal of the highest quality, from a player of the same class. Gundogan's contract expires at the end of the season, but you would think the vast majority of City fans would be desperate to see the 32 year old German renew for at least another season.

Gundogan was involved in a goal again just 2 minutes later with a fine left footed cross into the box, which was met by a powerful header from Erling Haaland. Pickford could've arguably done more to prevent it from going in, but the Norwegian won't care, as he nodded home his 36th Premier League goal of a record smashing season.

Just after the break, Gundogan put the icing on the cake with a sumptuous free kick from the edge of the box, placed right in the top left corner, to wrap up the 3 points for the Premier League champions.

City took their foot off the gas after this point, conceding a few chances from set pieces, but, ultimately, there was no serious threat to Ederson's goal throughout the entire match.

Tactically, we saw another twist from the open minded and adventurous Pep Guardiola. The boss chose to line up with a back 4 of Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, choosing to give a rest to John Stones and Nathan Ake, with the latter not fully fit.

The first curveball was thrown when it was Akanji, and not Laporte, who started at left back. One would think that, given Laporte is left footed and Akanji is right footed, it makes more sense to start the Spaniard at left back. However, in my opinion, Laporte has often looked slightly uncomfortable when playing at left back, whereas Akanji has thrived, keeping the likes of Rodrygo from Real Madrid and Bukayo Saka from Arsenal quiet.

The second curveball came with the hybrid defence/midfield role, as Guardiola chose to operate using Akanji and Laporte in an alternating system. The former was spotted in midfield more often, however, Laporte provided more going forward when he played in that position, seeing as he is a more technically gifted footballer.

This could be a way of integrating Aymeric Laporte more at the back end of this season, if the worst were to happen to John Stones, as the 28 year old has very much struggled for game time this season. However, Laporte has been a very valuable member of Pep Guardiola's squad ever since he joined in January 2018, and there is certainly use for him at the back end of the season.

Overall, it was a comfortable game for City, and arguably the perfect preparation for the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg match against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. The Blues looked dangerous going forward, solid defensively and were able to keep a clean sheet against an Everton side desperately looking for goals to stay in the Premier League.

They were also able to - albeit for a short while - give a rest to Gundogan, Haaland, Rodri and Dias, preventing them from an untimely injury before one of the biggest games in the club's history.

City are now within reach of the Premier League title, after Arsenal were outclassed by Brighton and Hove Albion, thanks to goals from Julio Enciso, Deniz Undav and Pervis Estupinian. If they beat Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium next Sunday, then City will win the Premier League title for the third consecutive season.

They could also win the league without kicking a ball, so long as Steve Cooper's Nottingham Forest beat Arsenal on Saturday, meaning the Gunners can no longer catch City's points total.

Here are the player ratings for City's comfortable win over Everton:

Ederson - 7/10 - As is becoming a common theme in recent league matches, the 29 year old Brazilian had very little to do in between the sticks for City. He did his job well however, making a few comfortable saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Walker - 8/10 - A brilliant performance from the 32 year old right back, in preparation for his colossal battle against Vinicius Junior. Walker looked clean, tidy and composed in everything he did, overall, the perfect preparation for Wednesday night from his perspective.

Dias - 7.5/10 - Did a very good job against a difficult striker in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, matching him physically and pace wise. When Neal Maupay replaced the 26 year old at half time, Dias had a much easier ride, and eased through the game up until his late substitution.

Laporte - 7/10 - Solid and composed in possession, offering a unique passing option in City's back 4, as the only left footed player. Laporte showed that he fits the system and, most importantly, he still has a role to play at the back end of the season.

Akanji - 7/10 - Another solid performance from the Swiss international, keeping Alex Iwobi's influence on the game to a minimum. If Nathan Ake is fit for Wednesday night's clash, then it'll be harsh on Akanji if he is to miss out, given the consistently excellent performances he has put in all season.

Rodri - 7.5/10 - Another controlling game at the base of midfield for the 27 year old. The holding midfielder was excellent in keeping possession in tight spaces, and being in the right position to retain the ball, as always.

Alvarez - 6/10 - Another performance from Alvarez where he appeared to be slightly off the boil, as his touch, dribbling and passing weren't as good as they usually are. However, it is extremely useful that the 23 year old Argentine is trusted by Guardiola to play there, as it means he can give a rest to Kevin de Bruyne when it is needed, considering the Belgian isn't getting any younger.

Gundogan - 9.5/10 - Yet another sensational performance from the man affectionately dubbed "Mr Whippy!" Chipping in with 3 goal contributions of the highest quality, Gundogan showed why he is one of the best players in the Premier League - if not the world - at this moment in time. From my point of view, City should do everything possible to keep him at the club for next season and beyond.

Mahrez - 7/10 - A reasonably quiet game for City's Algerian winger, with not a whole lot to note, other than an excellent cross for Gundogan's first goal.

Haaland - 8/10 - The fact that Haaland scored with his third touch of the match just about sums up his first season in a Manchester City shirt. The Norwegian's towering header was his 36th Premier League goal of the season, a remarkable stat for someone who's surely only going to improve.

Foden - 7.5/10 - A positive and direct display from Foden, who seems to be regaining his form at a vital time in the season. Brilliant positive run to win the freekick, that was so expertly dispatched by Gundogan.

Substitutes:

Bernardo - 6.5/10 - Offered a lot of running and energy, other than that, didn't make a huge impact, due to limited time on the pitch.

Grealish - 6.5/10 - Same as Bernardo really, but had more of an impact in possession, offering a few nice touches on the left wing. There was an incident , however, where he delayed playing a forward pass to the underlapping Sergio Gomez, who could've been in on goal to add a fourth for the Blues.

Phillips - Not enough time to rank.

Gomez - Not enough time to rank.