Manchester City beat Everton 2-0 thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland, but David Moyes felt the game's best performer was wearing an Everton shirt
David Moyes was full of praise for his side
David Moyes was full of praise for his side(Image: PA)
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David Moyes hailed Iliman Ndiaye as ‘the best player on the pitch’ while Everton went toe-to-toe with Manchester City.
The winger created two glorious chances for Beto and forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a finger-tip save as he continued his fine form by putting on a first-half masterclass at the Etihad Stadium.
Even with this game seemingly beyond the Blues, Ndiaye’s quality shone through as he battled past Oscar Bobb to find Merlin Rohl in the box in the second half. The German youth international’s header hit the side netting but it was another reminder of the threat posed by Ndiaye.
Asked about his display after the 2-0 defeat to City, Moyes said: “Ili was the best player on the pitch in the first half. He might have got taken over by [Phil] Foden as the game went on, but I think that IlI is the one who really made a big difference for us.”
Ndiaye played on the right wing even with Jack Grealish unable to play against his parent club, Moyes opting to bring back Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at the first opportunity after his suspension and start Carlos Alcaraz on the right.
While Ndiaye was out of position he maintained his menace, seizing upon a Nathan Ake pass in the first 10 minutes before squaring for Beto, who could not steer the chance in. He later fed Beto behind the City defence only for the forward to shoot wide, before evading defenders and unleashing a powerful, rising shot that forced Donnarumma into action.
Moyes also reserved credit for Jordan Pickford, who made two good saves from Erling Haaland as he sought a hat-trick late on. Moyes said: “I have to say I give great credit to the goalkeeper for the way he defended Haaland with the one-on-ones. We'd opened up then, trying to find a way of getting a goal, and Man City had a couple of chances. Goal difference doesn't matter at the moment but it might matter later in the season so I'm pleased we didn't concede a third.”
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