Everton gave an extremely impressive performance against a strong Manchester City side, and managed to take three points for the fortress that has been Eastlands this season. Goals from Lescott and Yakubu gave Everton a 2-0 win, and gave a massive blow to Manchester City and their hopes of a European spot. Everton meanwhile gave a massive boost to their hopes of a second season in the Champions League, and to beating Liverpool to 4th place. 

Everton started the match strongly, and had a strong penalty appeal denied early on in the match, when it appeared Micah Richards handled the ball in the box, after diving in front of a powerful shot from Steven Pienaar. Everton’s domination paid off when, in the 35th minute, Yakubu latched on to a low, driven cross from Steven Pienaar, and the Nigerian just managed to stay onside and slot past City goalkeeper Joe Harte. The flair, and powerful play from Yakubu paid off yet again, seven minutes later. Pienaar whipped in a corner, which was headed out to Lee Carsley; as the Everton players, and the City defenders drifted out the box, Lee Carsley floated a cross into the box which was met by Joleon Lescott, who looped a header over Harte. That, was the lump sum of the action in the first half.

In what was could be considered as a slow second half, Everton had several appeals for what seemed like guaranteed penalties, denied. Everton defended expertly, and managed to frustrate the normally skilful Manchester City side. Their frustration was summed up in the 92nd minute when winger Martin Petrov was sent off for kicking Leon Osman after Osman took the ball past him. Although probably a harsh red card, Petrov had tried the trip twice before, without punishment from the referee. It was a poor match from the referee, after he denied Everton several penalties, which would have been their first penalty in over 45 league matches. The best moment from an Everton point of view was the 35-yard free kick by Lee Carsley, which he took before the wall had been assembled, and managed to force a brilliant save out of goalkeeper Joe Harte.