Soccer-Premier League talking points

(Reuters) - Talking points from the Premier League weekend:

CITY BACKLINE DESERVES MORE PRAISE THAN IT GETS

Manchester City are usually heralded for their free flowing, sublime football, but the supreme defensive unit coach Pep Guardiola has created is often overlooked.

Leeds United threw everything at the champions in a hostile atmosphere on Saturday, but time again they were denied by last-ditch blocks and tackles, celebrated by City players as if they had scored.

City have the best defensive record in the league this season, just as they did last term. Their shutout in Saturday's 4-0 win was their fifth successive away clean sheet in the league – their longest ever stretch in the league.

The Premier League title looks set to go to the wire once more this season, with City's rigid rearguard key to their chances of success.

EVERTON PROFITING FROM MENTALITY SHIFT

Everton can make any number of excuses for their dip into the relegation zone this season, but a lack of ability is not one of them as they showed again in the 1-0 home victory over Chelsea on Sunday.

The controversial appointment of former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez ahead of the season always looked a poor fit, while injuries have decimated their squad and they have been on the wrong side of some dubious officiating.

But the players have also had to have a hard look at themselves and the mentality they have displayed for much of the campaign, which has seemed at times lackadaisical. Perhaps they have now been scared into action.

As they have shown in their recent wins over Manchester United and now Chelsea, and even for large parts of the Merseyside Derby loss to Liverpool, when they are switched on, focussed and determined, they are a match for