Agence France-Presse
Updated: April 20, 2025 | 12:08 AM IST
Read Time: 3 min
Manchester City boosted their push for a Champions League spot with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Everton, while Southampton earned a dramatic late draw against West Ham to avoid holding the lowest points tally in Premier League history.
City looked to be heading for a frustrating result until Nico O’Reilly broke the deadlock in the 84th minute, followed by a stoppage-time goal from Mateo Kovacic, sealing a crucial win at Goodison Park. The result moved Pep Guardiola’s side up to fourth place, now four points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, who face Fulham on Sunday with a game in hand.
Nottingham Forest, currently fifth, remain one point behind City and will take on Tottenham on Monday.
City Keep UCL Bid Alive Amid Disappointing Season
While City have dominated recent seasons—winning six of the last seven titles—they are now in an uncharacteristic fight just to finish in the top four. The win at Everton was a much-needed boost in their underwhelming campaign.
The breakthrough came when Matheus Nunes delivered a low cross into the six-yard box that 20-year-old O’Reilly converted from close range. The Manchester-born midfielder has become an unexpected standout, having scored against Crystal Palace last week and twice in the FA Cup clash against Plymouth.
Kovacic added a second goal in stoppage time, finishing off Ilkay Gundogan’s pass to secure City’s third win in their last four Premier League matches.
“Winning here at Goodison Park, where teams like Liverpool and Arsenal dropped points, is huge,” said Guardiola.
“It’s now in our hands. Three games at home, two away—if we stay focused, we can secure a Champions League place.”
Southampton Equalize Late to Avoid Unwanted Record
Already relegated, Southampton salvaged a 1-1 draw at West Ham, ensuring they won’t finish the season with the worst-ever Premier League points tally.
Jarrod Bowen opened the scoring for the Hammers in the 47th minute, holding off Ryan Manning and firing past Aaron Ramsdale. But Lesley Ugochukwu struck in the 93rd minute, smashing in the equalizer to lift Southampton to 11 points—matching Derby County’s total from the 2007-08 season, with five games still remaining.
Brentford Punish 10-Man Brighton in 4-2 Thriller
Brentford claimed their first home win since December with a 4-2 triumph over Brighton, damaging the Seagulls’ hopes of European qualification.
- Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring from Lewis Keane-Potter’s precise through ball.
- Danny Welbeck equalized in first-half stoppage time with a header from Mats Wieffer’s delivery.
- Mbeumo regained Brentford’s lead after the break, with his shot deflecting off Lewis Dunk.
- Yoane Wissa made it 3-1, converting from Mbeumo’s pass, again with a deflection off Jan Paul van Hecke.
- Brighton’s Joao Pedro was sent off in the 61st minute for a reckless kick at Nathan Collins.
- Kaoru Mitoma narrowed the gap in the 81st minute, but Christian Norgaard’s stoppage-time header sealed the win.
Palace Hold Off Bournemouth Despite Red Card
Crystal Palace managed a goalless draw at home against Bournemouth, even after being reduced to 10 men. Chris Richards was sent off just before halftime for a second yellow card after a foul on Justin Kluivert.
Newcastle Aim to Tighten Grip on Third
Third-placed Newcastle United will aim to solidify their Champions League qualification hopes when they visit Aston Villa in Saturday’s late kickoff.