Everton's hopes of clawing their way out of the Premier League relegation zone have been handed a slight boost as Leeds United were defeated 2-1 by Manchester on Saturday afternoon.
Overseeing his first game in charge of the Whites, interim manager Sam Allardyce watched on from the sidelines at the Etihad as two quickfire goals in the first half from Ilkay Gundogan set Manchester City on their way for a largely comfortable afternoon in East Manchester.
A late penalty miss from Gundogan and goal 58 seconds later from Rodrigo made life uncomfortable for City but they saw it out to extend their lead at the top of the table.
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It means Everton can leapfrog the Yorkshire outfit if they are to win their game in hand against Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday evening, with Sean Dyche's side looking for their first victory since March 11.
After their trip to the South Coast, Everton welcome Manchester City to Goodison Park before travelling to Wolverhampton Wanderers for their final away game of the season. On May 28, however, the Blues end their Premier League campaign when Bournemouth travel to Merseyside.
Meanwhile, Leeds' remaining three fixtures sees Newcastle and Tottenham come to Elland Road sandwiched between a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United.
Everton are currently 18th in the Premier League, with only Nottingham Forest and Southampton below them. In the interest of Dyche's side, Forest host the Saints at the City Ground on Monday evening - shortly after Everton's visit to the Amex.
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