Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is eager to steer his team clear of an unwanted defensive record as they face Everton on Wednesday night. The North-West club returns to domestic action after securing their first-ever Club World Cup title last week.
City finds themselves eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, with two games in hand, and six points adrift of second-placed Arsenal with one game in hand, thanks to favorable results for them during City’s Club World Cup campaign.
Despite the positive league position, City’s recent form has been concerning, with only one win in their last six Premier League matches. The team’s defensive frailties were highlighted in a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, where they conceded two late goals.
This draw extended City’s streak of not keeping a clean sheet to seven Premier League games, during which they conceded 13 goals. If Everton scores in their upcoming encounter, it will equal City’s longest run without a clean sheet since Guardiola took charge – an eight-game stretch from December 2018 to January 2019.
City, however, has a historical advantage in this fixture, having won their last seven encounters against Everton in all competitions. Everton has struggled against City, with only one draw in their last 12 meetings and one victory in the last 20 Premier League clashes.
Notably, Everton managed a 1-1 draw against City during the Christmas and New Year period last year, breaking their winless streak. Guardiola will be keen to ensure his team remains defensively solid and maintains their winning record against Everton.
