Haaland's Brace Propels Manchester City to Victory Over Everton
Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory against Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, October 18, 2025, thanks to a second-half brace from Erling Haaland. The win sees Manchester City climb to the top of the Premier League table.
The first half was a frustrating affair for the home side, who struggled to break down a resilient Everton defense. Everton, without Jack Grealish, who is on loan from City and therefore ineligible to play, proved to be a threat on the counter-attack. Beto missed an early chance to put the visitors ahead after a dangerous ball from Iliman Ndiaye. City had their own opportunities, with Nico O'Reilly firing wide and Jake O'Brien almost diverting the ball into his own net from a Haaland header. Jordan Pickford, who recently signed a new contract, made a good save to deny Savinho. Ndiaye also forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma before the interval, ensuring the game remained goalless at halftime.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute when Haaland rose highest to head home a cross from O'Reilly. Just five minutes later, Haaland doubled the lead with a powerful left-footed strike from Savinho's cutback. This marked Haaland's 23rd goal in just 13 appearances for club and country this season.
Despite Manchester City's dominance in the second half, Pickford denied Haaland his hat-trick with two late saves. In the end, City's victory was well-deserved, although Everton proved to be a tough opponent for a large portion of the match.
The win extends Manchester City's unbeaten run against Everton in the top flight to 17 games. Haaland's goals bring his Premier League tally to 96 in just 105 appearances and 138 in 155 games for the club since joining in 2022. He is rapidly approaching a century of Premier League goals and is on track to break Alan Shearer's record of reaching 100 goals in 124 appearances. He has scored in 11 successive games for club and country.
City, however, were not at their fluent best, perhaps missing the influence of the injured Rodri and the departed Kevin De Bruyne. Manager Pep Guardiola may also be questioning the wisdom of loaning Jack Grealish to Everton, as his creativity was missed.
Following the match, both managers reflected on the game. Guardiola praised his team's resilience and Haaland's clinical finishing, while David Moyes, despite the defeat, commended his team's defensive effort in the first half.
