Everton have continued to take points - be it unfashionably - against their most recent opponents. In holding both Arsenal and Chelsea to zero goals and 0-0 draws, the Blues illustrated that they could still organize solidly, even against the top tier in the Premier League this season; against Manchester City, they will have to continue this trend, but might find a bit of joy finally as well.
That is because City is simply not the same City that football enthusiasts have come to know, love, or hate. The Cityzens have been falling down the Premier League table, down the UCL table, and they cannot seem to stop the momentum in its current state. Does this all stem from the loss of Rodri to injury? Perhaps, but there are other blights as well; can Everton take advantage of them? Only time will tell.
Prior to Thursday’s game, we spoke to Saul Garcia, City fan and writer for their dedicated SB Nation page, Bitter and Blue:
RBM: First off, how are City and their supporters feeling after a good start to this season has turned into a spiraling nightmare?
SG: Not great! It’s been a really difficult season by City standards and that starts with injuries, no one could have foreseen the Ballon D’Or winner getting hurt for the whole season or the Foden/Grealish/KDB injuries. It’s been a sweat of a season.
RBM: Can all of this be pinned solely on Rodri's loss? Talk to us about that and what else could be stumping this perennial powerhouse.
SG: Probably 65-75%; he is just so important to Pep and his game style. It would have been wise to develop a deputy for him, but hindsight being 20/20, Rodri just got to a point of no return with games, and the congestion finally caught up to him. Another issue is that there is no real speed in midfield, and Kevin De Bruyne also being injured for a large stretch has only compounded it.
Manchester City v Everton FC - Premier League Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
RBM: What can be done to remedy this? Is there a solution in house or will the side have to go out in January?
SG: Something will have to be done in January. Fresh players are needed and the squad is one of the league’s smallest so it stands to reason that January will and should be a busy time for City. I could see anywhere from 3-6 players added, if City are serious about backing Pep now and not waiting until the summer.
RBM: Are the counts associated with Manchester City and the scrutiny finally taking their mental toll on the side? What’s the status of all that?
SG: There’s been some whining, but most understand it was not going to be peachy forever, and Pep will now need to turn over the squad and that has growing pains starting now, as he needs to make enough changes in not only personnel - but some departures that will hurt.
RBM: What are the expectations going forward at this point? Will the side remain in the UCL past the “league” play?
SG: It will really depend on what the club show the supporters in January, will they pony up the required dough and sign some real difference makers, or wait until summer? What they do will determine what fans can and should expect in the second half of the season, resignation or excitement.
Manchester City v Everton FC - Premier League Photo by Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images
RBM: Who should Everton supporters be watching for City that perhaps hasn’t gotten the proper recognition they deserve so far?
SG: Rico Lewis will be back from suspension and while most players have been lackluster, Rico has been growing in bounds and that includes playing just about everywhere from center back to second striker.
RBM: Who can you see giving Everton some trouble on Thursday in Manchester, and how might the citizens trouble the Toffees when they visit the Etihad?
SG: Bernardo Silva has to have a great game, and that will dictate how the match goes. With Foden and KDB playing below level, we need the Portuguese star to show up. Haaland will also need a big game and he usually has them, Everton while tough, can be had in the aerial game and Haaland can use that here.
Manchester City v Everton FC - Premier League Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
RBM: Finally, what’s your prediction for this Boxing Day match?
SG: A 2-1 win for City, if not now, when? City need to string some wins before January and that starts with this boxing day matchup.
Our thanks to Saul for his time.