Everton faced a daunting task at the Etihad, up against a City side that had won their last two home league games by three-plus goal margins. David Moyes’ team, seeking to break an eight-game losing streak at Manchester City, began brightly, preventing the hosts from establishing early control.

The Toffees created their best chance within the opening 15 minutes. Iliman Ndiaye’s clever square pass found Beto at the back post, but the striker failed to make clean contact, squandering a gilt-edged opportunity.

City’s openings were scarce in the first half. Erling Haaland’s header rattled the bar, and Jeremy Doku’s curling effort from the left was kept out by Jordan Pickford. Everton also tested Gianluigi Donnarumma with a powerful Ndiaye strike, ensuring the score remained level at halftime and leaving the contest finely poised.

Everton’s resilience lasted just short of the hour mark. Haaland, unstoppable once again, broke the deadlock by escaping his marker in the box and heading in Nico O’Reilly’s precise cross. Five minutes later, he doubled his tally with a vicious low strike from Savinho’s cutback, leaving Pickford with no chance.

Haaland’s remarkable scoring run now stands at 23 goals in 13 appearances for club and country this season, including six strikes in five games against Everton.

The visitors were left stunned, suffering their first Premier League away defeat by multiple goals since December. City could have won by an even larger margin if not for a series of late saves from Pickford, who denied Haaland a third.

Everton remain winless at the Etihad since 2010, while City’s unbeaten record against the Toffees extended to 18 matches. The victory lifts Pep Guardiola’s side to the top of the Premier League, at least temporarily, as they continue their pursuit of another title.