Citys creativity was stifled by a combination of Barry, Besic and Evertons pacey defence, but it was Pellegrinis decision to omit his natural wingers that lost them the match. Jesus Navas and Raheem Sterling were benched in favour of David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne. The latter pair brought width to the Sky Blues and came inside when necessary, but failed to offer anything in the way of penetration. When Navas came on as a second-half substitute, the difference was apparent. The Spanish winger stretched Everton along the right flank and it was only fitting that he netted Citys consolation goal following that blazing counter-attack in the 76th minute.
