Victory saw Man City move five points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand, while Everton are a point above the relegation zone following their 10-point deduction.

Mail Sport’s LEWIS STEELE rates the players from Wednesday’s night’s match…

Bernardo Silva scored as Man City beat Everton 3-1 on their return to Premier League action

Pep Guardiola’s side reignited their title defence by securing three points at Goodison Park

Sean Dyche’s Everton are now one point above the drop zone after consecutive defeats

MANCHESTER CITY (4-1-4-1)

Ederson – 7

Made a fine save late in the second half to deny Harrison a second goal as the Brazilian tipped over a powerful shot that was destined for the top corner. Could do little about the former City man’s opener.

Kyle Walker – 6

Made some of his customary, bursting runs down the right-hand flank and was unlucky when getting into a couple of good areas. Was seen barking orders at City’s troops as they struggled through the first half, demonstrating his leadership skills.

John Stones – 5

Limped off late in the first half after going down in one of those attacks that were only allowed to play on due to assistant referees’ orders not to put their flag up for offside any more. Was a big miss in terms of his passing in the second half.

Manuel Akanji – 6 (BOOKED)

Grew into the match after a somewhat shaky start. Still unsure on whether he is good enough to play the Stones defence-midfield hybrid role, Akanji rarely gave the ball away in the second half.

Nathan Ake – 7

Whether at left back or centre half when Stones limped off, this was a good shift from the Dutchman, who needed to demonstrate his aerial presence a couple of times in the first half with some commanding headers.

Bernardo Silva’s late goal confirmed the three points as the Man City midfielder shone again

Rodri – 6

Manchester City fans were delighted at his inclusion in the starting XI after the Spaniard limped off during the Club World Cup final, but this was an uncharacteristically bad evening to end a near-perfect 2023. Lost possession for Everton’s opener and skied a few shots over.

Bernardo Silva – 7.5

Silky Silva. The Portuguese magician often takes these tricky away games by the scruff of the neck and it was his late goal that confirmed three points that, for most of the match, were well in doubt. Helps City control games as he barely gives possession away.

Matheus Nunes – 7

Had City’s best chance of the first half after 14 minutes after finding space in the Everton penalty area and was only thwarted by a fine Pickford save. Glides through midfield well but also gave away possession cheaply a couple of times.

Phil Foden – 8

With City struggling to create chances and missing their best three players – Stones, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland – it felt like they needed a moment of magic. Foden provided that with a long-range strike that helped City back into the game.

Jack Grealish – 7 (BOOKED)

Was City’s best player in an overall poor first half for the Treble winners. Was a constant threat on the left wing and could have scored on 24 minutes with a toe-bunged effort but was thwarted by Pickford.

Phil Foden provided a moment of magic to get Man City back in the game at Goodison Park