Everton climb to fourth after comfortable win at Man City
Yakubu scored first in vital win
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Monday, 25, Feb 2008 10:35
Everton reclaimed fourth spot in the Premier League after first half goals from Yakubu and Joleon Lescott helped them to a comfortable win at Manchester City.
Despite Sven Goran Eriksson's side going into the crucial clash on the back of a memorable derby victory against Manchester United, Everton dominated the match from the start and were unfortunate not to be awarded an early penalty after Tim Cahill's shot was blocked by the arm of Micah Richards.
Though City enjoyed a prolonged period of possession, it was Everton who broke the deadlock, with lone striker Yakubu turning in a Cahill cross.
Just minutes later defender Lescott evaded the City defence to head his team's second goal after a superb cross from Lee Carsley.
The second half saw Eriksson bring on recent signings Nery Castillo and Felipe Caicedo in an attempt to get back into the game, though none of the fluid attacking football which has propelled his side to be in contention for a Champions League spot was in evidence.
Instead David Moyes' side looked the more likely to score, as they created several excellent chances and were only kept at bay by Joe Hart - arguably the only City player to emerge with his reputation intact.
City's frustrated ambitions were summed up when midfielder Martin Petrov was sent off in the last minute for kicking out at first Leon Osman and then Yakubu.