Gundogan stars as Manchester City beats Everton 3-0, moves four points clear at the top

With three games remaining, Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasing side has 85 points, four more than Arsenal which plays Brighton & Hove Albion later.

Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan (left) celebrates after scoring the team’s third goal during the 3-0 Premier League win over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday in Liverpool. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Ilkay Gundogan scored two brilliant goals and teed up Erling Haaland for another to inspire Manchester City to a 3-0 win at Everton on Sunday as it moved four points clear of Arsenal atop the Premier League table with an 11th consecutive victory.

With three games remaining, Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasing side has 85 points, four more than Arsenal which plays Brighton & Hove Albion later.

Everton remained deep in trouble, just above the relegation zone in 17th place with 32 points.

Guardiola crossed the Goodison Park pitch to the raucous City fans and held up two fingers to denote the number of wins they need to clinch the title.

“From minute one we took the game in our hands,” the Spaniard told the BBC. “It was a brilliant performance at the end of a season. We need two more victories to be champions.

“We controlled the game. We were patient and attacked the spaces. Gundogan arriving in the box is amazing. Really really important.”

Gundogan netted in the 37th minute when he brought down Riyad Mahrez’s cross in a crowd of Everton defenders and with his back to goal flicked a blind shot past keeper Jordan Pickford. Haaland headed in Gundogan’s cross two minutes later to extend his single-season Premier League scoring record to 36 goals.

Gundogan extended City’s lead soon after halftime with a curling free kick that sailed over Everton’s wall into the net.

City, who had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Everton at the Etihad Stadium this season, has won seven in a row at Goodison Park.

The champion created several scoring chances in the first half including two quick corners that failed to produce shots before it was rewarded for its hard work.

Haaland had a late chance at a second goal but sent his spectacular bicycle kick wide.

Everton also had opportunities. James Tarkowski struck the crossbar and Mason Holgate sent a close-range shot just wide, burying his face with his hands in frustration.

Guardiola’s team, which is also seeking its first Champions League title and has reached the FA Cup final, has a quick turnaround before it hosts Real Madrid in the second leg of its Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.

The teams drew 1-1 draw in Madrid last week.