Manchester City is on track to qualify for next season’s Champions League after securing a victory against Everton with two late goals.
What started as an uninspiring contest seemed to be heading for a dull draw until it was dramatically enlivened with six minutes remaining. Young full-back Nico O’Reilly scored from close range, converting a cutback from Matheus Nunes.
Substitute Mateo Kovacic then added a second goal in injury time, stretching to finish, as Pep Guardiola’s team climbed to fourth place in the table, four points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, who are set to play against their neighbors Fulham on Sunday.
The first half of the match was largely flat and offered little excitement. Everton’s best chance came from centre-back James Tarkowski, who rose to meet a corner taken by James Garner and flicked a header onto the post.
Just before half-time, City had a chance to take the lead with a quick break forward, but Kevin De Bruyne’s goal-bound shot was brilliantly cleared off the line by Jake O’Brien’s diving header.
In the second half, Savinho’s low drive was denied by a sharp save from Jordan Pickford, but City ultimately had the last word.
