Match Analysis: Manchester City 3-1 Everton

Everton saw their unbeaten start to the Premier League season end on Saturday as they lost 3-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Romelu Lukaku fired the visitors into the lead during the first half before Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero put the home side ahead at the break.

City then sealed the win with around 20 minutes left as Aguero's penalty came back off the post before going in off Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams.

Match statistics:

Man City: Shots 12 On target 6 Possession 54% Corners 8 Fouls 15

Everton: Shots 6 On target 4 Possession 46% Corners 1 Fouls 10

Was the result fair?

Both sides put on a great show at the Etihad Stadium with plenty of attacking football, but it would be difficult to argue that Manchester City did not deserve to win. Ultimately, they used the ball better and looked just that bit more menacing in the final third.

Man City's performance

The hosts struggled to force a way into the match early on, but they eventually wore Everton down on their way to getting the win. City's defence found life hard dealing with the brute power of Romelu Lukaku, but they came out on top in midfield thanks to a mix of strength and guile. Meanwhile, Alvaro Negredo and Sergio Aguero continue to look like an exciting partnership in attack.

Everton's performance

The Toffees started the match superbly, keeping possession while creating plenty of opportunities up front. However, they failed to keep this going throughout the whole match, allowing their opponents to find their rhythm and seal the victory. Overall, manager Roberto Martinez is likely to be pleased with what he saw, but it is vital that they bounce back after seeing their unbeaten record come to an end.

Sports Mole's man of the match

David Silva: The Manchester City midfielder was up to his usual tricks for the duration of the contest, getting into some good positions and providing Negredo and Aguero with plenty of service. He has been accused of going missing in the past, but today was not one of those days.

Biggest gaffe

It is hard not to point the finger at Joe Hart for Everton's goal as the Manchester City goalkeeper let Lukaku's shot go through him after getting an arm on the ball. The win will have done him good, but you feel that he has a long way to go before the pressure on him ceases.

Referee performance

Jon Moss brandished nine yellow cards throughout the match, the most in a Premier League fixture this season. It says a lot about his display as he blew up a number of times for minor offences and threatened to ruin a great contest with some questionable decision.

What next?

Man City: Manuel Pellegrini's side return to Premier League action next Saturday when they travel to West Ham United.

Everton: The Toffees continue their Premier League campaign next Saturday at home to Hull City.