Update: Pep Guardiola explains key Man City change that earned Everton win News

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the performance of his players in their 2-0 win over Everton

Pep Guardiola praised his players for stepping up in the second half at Goodison Park to deliver an important victory for Manchester City. Everton stifled the visitors for most of their Premier League game, but two late goals gave the Blues a ‘big win’.

City could point to useful substitutions as Mateo Kovacic scored the second goal and Jeremy Doku impressed in his 15 minutes off the pitch. However, the manager was keen to put the emphasis on the levels of the players rather than any tactical or personnel tweaks that made the difference.

“We scored two goals,” he said when asked what changed the game. “We didn’t create much but we didn’t want transitions or fouls.

“In the second half we were more aggressive and the players made a step up. The second half was better because the players were better. We didn’t change much at half-time.

“Jeremy was really good, so aggressive, Kovacic scored another goal and a fantastic one and Ruben, Josko the back four was brilliant. Maybe on the ball it was a little bit sloppy but they were so solid and really pleased for the game because it was really important.”

Victory over Everton lifted City back into the top four for at least a day at the expense of Nottingham Forest, and at least one of Aston Villa and Newcastle are guaranteed to drop points. A point would not have been disastrous for the Blues, but three can make a big difference ahead of their clash with Villa at the Etihad on Tuesday.

“I would say big. I would say big. It’s not necessary to be so smart,” said Guardiola. “We have five or six games left so to win here at Goodison Park with the moment they had winning at Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Arsenal couldn’t win here, so massively important.

“The character is always you have it when you win and if you don’t win you don’t have it. What these players have done for one decade I’m so grateful whatever happens.

“In the toughest period for many reasons especially injuries, we were more or less stable in terms of keeping going. Of course we are miles away from Liverpool and Arsenal but tonight we sleep fourth and we will see what happens to Villa, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Chelsea.

“Now it is in our hands. We need a final on Tuesday. Three games at home, two away and hopefully we can achieve this big success to qualify for the Champions League.”

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