The Germany international scored two outstanding goals and created another as Pep Guardiola's side took another step towards a third title in a row
Ilkay Gundogan showed no mercy against Everton and scored one of the finest goals of his Manchester City career in a 3-0 stroll for the champions at Goodison Park on Sunday. Everton had managed to frustrate Pep Guardiola's side for most of the first half, but Gundogan broke the deadlock with some top class artistry, flicking the ball into the net with his back to goal.
No sooner had he scored, the Germany international focused on setting up City's second goal, a thumping header from Erling Haaland. Gundogan then completed a second successive brace in the Premier League with a sumptuous free-kick.
City are now just two wins from clinching the Premier League title, and will face Real Madrid with refreshed legs in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with their confidence levels as high as they could be.
GOAL rates Man City's players from Goodison Park…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Ederson (6/10):
Distribution was shaky in first half when Everton pressed him. Had to make a couple of routine saves but was never really tested.
Kyle Walker (8/10):
Put out several fires with his renowned pace when running back. Made particularly important tackles on Doucoure and Calvert-Lewin.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Anticipated well and was a commanding presence, which was needed in the second half.
Aymeric Laporte (6/10):
Looked a little vulnerable against Calvert-Lewin in the first half and needed Walker to step in and help him out.
Manuel Akanji (7/10):
Solid and courageous when stepping in to midfield.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Ilkay Gundogan (9/10):
Has come into his own in the last few games. His opening goal, flicking the ball into the net with his back to goal, was the work of an artist. His free-kick was also stunning. Has four goals in his last two league outings..
Rodri (7/10):
Was up for the fight and his distribution was superb.
Phil Foden (7/10):
Combined well with Gundogan down the left and played his part in setting up the second goal.
Getty ImagesAttack
Riyad Mahrez (6/10):
Not his best performance and was not given the space he enjoyed against Leeds. City were much quieter down his right hand side.
Erling Haaland (6/10):
Had a relatively quiet day but still managed to score his 36th league goal of the season with a monstrous header. It was only his third touch.
Julian Alvarez (6/10):
The Argentine was unable to trouble Everton's defence too much. Unlikely to have earned a starting berth against Real Madrid.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Helped City see the game out with no problems by retaining possession for long periods.
Jack Grealish (6/10):
Didn't do much in his 12 minutes on the pitch but had little reason to stretch himself.
Kalvin Phillips (N/A):
Only introduced for the final two minutes.
Pep Guardiola (8/10):
Made four changes from the Real Madrid game without risking the points. Gave Haaland and Gundogan mini-rests for the second leg, but only once the win was secured.