Wright-Phillips and Goater underline City’s conviction after key Everton win
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Shaun Goater hailed City’s crucial 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday as a just reward for our belief and perseverance.
Men’s team
Stones: ‘We have to win every game’
Frank Lampard’s side looked tough and tested their opponents in what was a close and tense affair at Goodison Park.
But just when it looked like the match might end scoreless, Pep Guardiola’s side picked up a priceless victory thanks to Phil Foden’s timely winner in the 82nd minute.
It was a win that restored our six-point lead at the top of the Premier League over Liverpool as we bounced back to winning ways from last week’s 3-2 loss to Spurs.
CITY+ | SIGN UP TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
And reflecting on both the result and the performance on the latest edition of Matchday Live, special guest Wright-Phillips pointed to the mindset and conviction of Guardiola’s players as key factors in the outcome.
“It looks like a massive result… especially after last weekend,” said the former City and England winger.
“Then we had to go to another tough team who also needed to win and are fighting for their lives.
Men’s team
Foden: Courage and desire key to Everton victory
“But the further the game went, the more City were in control – especially possession – and when Bernardo comes out and the forces running through things start to change.
“Little flukes sometimes don’t go your way, but sometimes they do and it was up to the big man Phil Foden to end it as calmly as he did.”
A special guest on Saturday’s Matchday Live edition, Goater echoed Wright-Phillips’ assessment and said Guardiola earned three more invaluable points thanks to our patience and resilience.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY PODCAST
“It was a lot harder than I thought, but for the City team, that’s what these players are,” said the former City striker.
“To not play at our best but still get a result, everyone had to play their part in it.
“To be lucky, you have to keep persevering. The ball for the goal deflects off Michael Keane who looked slightly off balance and so when it deflects to his right foot it looks clumsy and lands brilliantly on Phil Foden.
Match report
Foden shatters Everton resolve as City bounce back
“But luck comes becomes we have earned it.”
“That’s why we stand for the way we do it,” added Wright-Phillips.
“Players know that if they keep clean sheets, like they’ve been doing all season, and keep knocking on the door, you’ll have a chance and then you’ll have more control.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL MAN CITY APP
“What City have done extremely well – especially this season – is keep the sheets clean and the game as close as possible.
“Because they know they have the ability at any time to score a goal or win that bit of luck that gets the goal like we did on Saturday and bring home the three points.”