English football champions Manchester City have achieved an important victory in the Premier League.
At Everton FC, which was threatened with relegation, coach Pep Guardiola’s star ensemble won 3-1 (0-1) a few days after their triumph at the Club World Cup in Qatar and is in fourth place with 37 points. The gap to league leaders Liverpool FC is five points.
Phil Foden (53′), Julian Alvarez with a penalty kick (64′) and Bernardo Silva (86′) turned the game around in the second half. Jack Harrison had given Everton the lead (29′).
City dominated the game at will, but missed too many great chances without the sorely missed striker Erling Haaland.
“Haaland is feeling better, but he hasn’t had a single training session with us yet. Hopefully he can join us again in January,” said Pep Guardiola before the game.
Chelsea FC also celebrated a victory. The Londoners defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 (1-1) thanks to goals from Mychajlo Mudryk (13th) and Noni Madueke (89th, from a penalty kick).
Former Leipzig player Christopher Nkunku celebrated his starting eleven debut in the Premier League after his knee injury.