Pep Guardiola lauded Erling Haaland as Manchester City's "key man" as he continued his scintillating form with a brace in their 2-0 win over Everton. 

The prolific forward has now registered 11 goals in just eight league games this term, equalling his own record set in the previous two seasons of most goals at this stage in a Premier League campaign. 

City have now won four of their last five top flight games, and leapfrogged Liverpool into second place, with the Reds in action on Sunday. 

So far this season, Haaland has scored 11 Premier League goals for City — matching or exceeding the goal tally of 12 of the other 19 teams in the league.

"I am really pleased, not just for the incredible threat to the opponent but [that] we found him much more than in the first half. That is really important, when you have these players you have to use them," Guardiola said.

"Erling lives for it. Our delivery of passes has been better and Erling is our key man right now."

"We were not there for the first 15-20 minutes. We lacked energy. We played good after the first goal. We had clear chances and we'll take it. A really positive thing for people coming from the bench and the energy is there but it's better to improve while winning games."

Guardiola's side have won 11 of their 14 Premier League home games in 2025 (D1 L2), earning more home wins and home points (34) than any other side this calendar year, and registered their 150th clean sheet under the Spaniard's management. 

"Everton are a good team. We knew that, they play long balls and our process in the first half was not perfect," City's manager added.

"Scoring the goal helps for what is coming and that's when we play better."

Meanwhile, Everton have won just one of their last 36 Premier League away games against sides who finished in the top four the previous season. 

"I was quite pleased with lots of the performance. Not pleased with the result. We've come here and put on a good show, up until the first goal certainly," Moyes said.

"[We] created a couple of chances in the first half. I wanted to try and challenge the likes of City and Arsenal where we can. We've challenged them today, but we've come up a bit short."