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Everton 2-0 Manchester City
Match Reports, 19:47, January 16, 2010 ,
Everton handed Roberto Mancini his first defeat as Manchester City boss with a dominant display that could have produced more goals.
The home side were in full control for much of an open encounter, producing a display that continues their recent resurgence. City had no answer to the clever passing and movement of a five-man midfield that never allowed the visitors to settle.
City, already missing a number of key players, were rocked by the early loss of Roque Santa Cruz, whose replacement Robinho made little impression and was he himself substituted in the second half.
By that time Everton were already two goals in front, the least a fine first-half display deserved. Steven Pienaar produced a superb free-kick on 36 minutes to open the scoring after Landon Donovan, making an excellent home debut, missed a good one-on-one chance.
The lead was doubled in controversial fashion in first half injury time. Micah Richards was adjudged to have pulled Louis Saha's shirt, another example of a referee clamping down on this type of offence. The Frenchman slotted home the spot-kick himself.
The visitors did not improve in the second period and were lucky to escape a heavier defeat. Everton hit the woodwork three times, whilst Shay Given made a good save from Marouane Fellaini.