If you only look at the score, perhaps everyone thinks that Man City has experienced an easy match against Everton. However, the reality is not like that, because the Green Man had time to suffocate before The Toffees. The home team played tight in the first 35 minutes. They sealed every hole from the middle to the two edges, making teachers and coaches Pep Guardiola feel like hitting an impenetrable wall.
However, at a difficult time, the brilliance of the top stars in the squad has brought a huge difference to Man City. Ilkay Gundogan’s classy handling in the 37th minute completely removed the knot for the Green Man, opening the final victory for the defending champion. Once again, the level of Man City has been awakened, and it comes at an extremely important time of the season, especially before welcoming Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.
There is no need to discuss, because the entire Man City team is currently in high spirits. The excitement of the Green Man was probably doubled when in the following match, Arsenal lost 0-3 against Brighton. Guardiola’s men will now be completely relieved to put their full attention on the rematch with Real Madrid, without having to think about the battle in the Premier League. The championship of the highest playground in England for the third consecutive season is only 1 victory away from them.
Besides the spirit, there are many things that are supporting Man City. The main striker Erling Haaland has “cleared the barrel” again after 2 consecutive matches, against Leeds and Real Madrid (first leg of the semi-final). Gundogan continues to show value in important matches. Remember in the Premier League last season, it was the German midfielder who scored a brace to help Man City come upstream to defeat Aston Villa 3-2 in the final round, thereby bringing the suffocating championship to the home team. Gundogan is like that. He always knows how to shine at the crucial moment. Before Real Madrid, Gundogan can once again play the hero. Why not?
In addition, the important pillars of Man City such as Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, John Stones or Bernardo Silva have all been rotated by coach Guardiola, giving him a break. De Bruyne alone was “free” for the entire match against Everton (sitting on the bench without entering the field for a minute). This shows that Man City has made great preparations before the decisive battle with Real Madrid, a competition that defines the success or failure of the whole season.
Why so? Simply, because if it is not possible to reach the final and further win the Champions League, Man City in general and Guardiola in particular will still be considered a failure. Blue Man’s ultimate goal is the prestigious elephant ear trophy, and they can’t fail again and again. Heaven, location, and people are clearly on Man City’s side. Real Madrid is the “King” of the Champions League, but the Blue Man is ready to win at the Etihad to win tickets to Istanbul.
