Sean Dyche highlighted Mason Holgate’s sitter as a game-changing moment in Everton’s defeat to Manchester City - and revealed the player he thought was "outstanding".
Ilkay Gundogan scored two and set up another for Erling Haaland as Pep Guardiola’s side moved a step closer to the Premier League title with a 3-0 win at Goodison Park. While defeat for Everton leaves them one point above the drop zone with just two games left to play.
Gundogan fired City ahead with a breathtaking finish in front of the Howard Kendall Gwladys Street End seven minutes before the interval. The City skipper controlled a pass from Riyad Mahrez on his knee before hooking the ball past Jordan Pickford with his back to goal.
JOE THOMAS MATCH VERDICT: David Moyes decision could decide Everton fate after Man City defeat
EVERTON PLAYER RATINGS: Everton player ratings as one awful and five poor in Manchester City defeat
But moments before Gundogan’s opener, Everton should have gone ahead themselves, with the returning Holgate somehow firing over from a couple of yards out after James Tarkowski headed a corner into this path.
Reflecting on the chance, Dyche said: "Mason had a really big chance; you never know if that goes in. They're a top side doing what top sides do. Their game plan wasn't working, so they changed it and went more direct.
"I thought Dwight McNeil was outstanding today. There were some good performances today. But City find that way.
"You'd be amazed if they don't win the league. They've got a big guy who keeps knocking it into the net. We kept tirelessly working. Our mentality was right."
Asked about his side’s overall performance, the Everton boss replied: "I thought we were excellent for 30 minutes, but they showed what a class side they are.
"They were slow in passing it in front of us, which was fine by us. But they changed their game plan and went longer.
"They picked up the scraps and capitalised on it. They showed what a top side they are because they can score goals in different ways."
READ NEXT:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not the only concern Sean Dyche has just been handed
Pep Guardiola sends Sean Dyche message after being impressed by Everton
Sean Dyche overruled Dominic Calvert-Lewin as three new Everton injuries revealed
National media highlight what could be 'important' point of Everton defeat to Man City
Everton collapse but Man City truth is clear as Premier League fight goes on
