If Manchester City were to win the Premier League this season as well as the treble, then the fans will have Ilkay Gundogan to thank, as his form in the final games of the campaign has been spectacular.
After scoring twice in the crucial 2-1 triumph over Leeds, the German ace delivered another Man of the Match performance, this time dismantling Everton at their tricky Goodison Park. The former Dortmund ace, who is out of contract this summer, had a hand in all three goals as the Cityzens marched towards a 3-0 victory.
It was Guardiola's men that were tested early on, with Dyche's side putting the league leaders in some nervy situations. However, a two-minute spell from Gundogan from minute 37 to minute 39 all but killed the game.
The midfielder first got on the scoresheet, breaking the deadlock after a brilliant improvised finish from a Riyad Mahrez cross. Jordan Pickford could do nothing to stop that shot as the 32-year-old scored with his back to goal. Two minutes later, the visitors went 2-0 up, this time courtesy of Erling Haaland, who headed past Pickford thanks to a brilliant assist from Gundogan.
At 2-0, the game was done and dusted, but Ilkay wasn't finished. The Premier League ace then grabbed another exquisite goal, this time scoring from a free kick to take his goal contributions in the last two games to five. Check out his goals in the clips below (videos are geo-restricted).
Here is Gundogan's opener
ILKAY GUNDOGAN HOW ON EARTH?!?!
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 14, 2023
: @USANetwork | #EVEMCI pic.twitter.com/36RZiOSqCl
STOP THAT ILKAY!
— SuperSport Football (@SSFootball) May 14, 2023
The touch, the finish - marvelous from Gundogan
City lead 2-0 against Everton.
Stream #PL live: https://t.co/Tg69y0EeUL | #EVEMCI pic.twitter.com/jW8ETYfqKa
Check out Ilkay's spectacular free-kick finish
Gundogan is UNREAL
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) May 14, 2023
: @USANetwork | #EVEMCI pic.twitter.com/G9IEG0Hv02
— SuperSport Football (@SSFootball) May 14, 2023
from Ilkay Gündogan #PL | #EVEMCI pic.twitter.com/WVse4ZWeRz
With that victory, the Cityzens have temporarily moved four points clear at the top. However, second-placed Arsenal face Brighton, and given that result, Guardiola's men will either extend their lead or see that gap get slashed back down.