Match Reflection: Everton 2 - 0 Manchester City

Osman wonder strike sinks City's title hopes

By Aaron Leggott

It seems that City have all but conceded the title over to rivals Manchester United as yesterday's defeat ensured a 15 point difference between the two teams at the top of the league.

In truth, City did not deserve anything from the game at Goodison Park. With Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany all missing out, our task to win wasn't made any easier at a historically tough place for the Blues to visit.

Everton showed the fight, determination and spirit needed to beat the Champions and spectacular efforts from Leon Osman and Nikica Jelavic ensured City were leaving Merseyside without three points for yet another year.

Match Preview: Everton vs Manchester City

City aim to heap more woes on Goodison faithful

By Aaron Leggott

After last Saturday's calamitous defeat at home to Wigan, Everton go into this game knowing that their chances of European qualification are extremely slim.

With the FA Cup semi final draw pitting City against Chelsea or Manchester United and Wigan against Milwall, it means that Europa League qualification will only be rewarded in the Premier League to the side that finishes 5th.

And on recent form, it is unlikely that Everton will be sitting in that position come May. With Liverpool coming into some great form ahead of the run in and Arsenal also in the mix for the fight to Europe, you'd be a brave man to back David Moyes' side now.

So, with 11 years without a trophy... is this really good enough for Everton? The myth that they are on a penniless budget is exactly that and the Toffee's record against the big boys is nothing short of awful.