In an effort to hurt them on the counterattack via Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Sean Dyche’s team set out to defend deeply and compactly.

Up until Pep Guardiola removed Kevin De Bruyne on the bench, the strategy was effective.

After City’s first attempt on goal in the 70th minute, Erling Haaland scored with another assist from De Bruyne.

In actuality, Everton did a great job of holding the hosts to few opportunities while putting on a strong display against a top team.

But not everyone accepted that theory, as Jamie O’Hara criticized the Toffees for their performance in the second half.

Jamie O’Hara hails Everton’s display as ‘poor’ in loss to Man City

O’Hara commented, “I was a bit disappointed with Everton in the second half, I thought they were poor,” during Stadium Astro’s coverage of the game. In my opinion, the game provided nothing.

“After the first goal was scored, they kind of disintegrated. I know they are at the bottom of the table, but even in the Premier League, you have to give a little bit more.”

As per Sofascore, Everton only had five efforts on goal and one on target, although they may be excused for not posing much of a danger against a squad with so many talented players.

Ultimately, the disparity in status between the two groups is evident to all, and the Toffees deserve praise for their endeavors.

O’Hara’s verdict is harsh

O’Hara thought Everton should have attacked more, but that would have simply exposed their back line.

De Bruyne and Haaland would have had a field day if they had committed more bodies forward.

Man City might have been better off conceding four or five instead of lowering the score, but they would have performed better when they had plenty of room to maneuver.

The Toffees will need to keep their goal differential as small as possible in order to avoid relegation, so every goal counts.

This season, Everton’s destiny will be determined by the teams in and around them in the standings rather than by a loss to a top team like Man City.

The next game for Dyche’s team is against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park, which they have to win if they want to finish the season in the top half.