Ilkay Gundogan scores stunning double as Manchester City move closer to title

Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan scored a superb double to help his side to a 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday – and take them to within one win of retaining their title.

The German midfielder produced a wonderful piece of improvisation to put City ahead in the 37th minute. With his back to goal, he controlled a ball sent into the box with his thigh before flicking it behind him past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and into the net.

Gundogan then produced a pinpoint cross for Erling Haaland to head home City's second, which was the Norwegian's 36th Premier League goal of the season and his 52nd in all competitions, two minutes later.

Then, just after half-time, City were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Everton penalty and Gundogan stepped up to clip a perfect finish past Pickford for his fourth goal in two matches.

The victory lifted City four points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with a game in hand after the Gunners lost 3-0 at the Emirates to Brighton in Sunday’s late kick-off.

Pep Guardiola’s side will seal their third title in a row by taking three points from their remaining games against Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford.

Next up for City in their bid to secure a famous treble is the Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. The first leg finished 1-1 in Spain.

“Between the Champions League semis it’s difficult here after Everton scored five against Brighton,” said City manager Pep Guardiola.

“From minute one we took the game in our hands. It was a brilliant performance at the end of a season. We need two more victories to be champions. Step by step recovery.

“They defended deep. Their transitions are amazing. They are the best