And to think a trip to Goodison Park in the midst of a Champions League semi-final was considered an awkward assignment for Manchester City in their pursuit of a treble. The notion, and Everton, were dismissed with almost contemptuous ease as another immaculate contribution from Ilkay Gündogan and another goal from Erling Haaland took Pep Guardiola’s team closer to a third successive Premier League title.
Gündogan showed why City have to secure his services beyond this summer, when his contract is due to expire, with two goals to follow up his double against Leeds last weekend. The midfielder’s first was a stunning piece of ingenuity that deflated Everton in their fight to avoid the drop. He then set up Haaland’s 52nd goal in all competitions this season before polishing an outstanding performance with a beautiful free‑kick beyond Jordan Pickford, leaving City needing three points from three games to secure the title.
