Everton U23s face a title showdown with Brighton and Hove Albion at Goodison Park after their rollercoaster 4-3 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday.
Bassala Sambou netted twice while substitute Fraser Hornby also notched for the Blues but Eric Garcia, Adrian Bernabe, Ian Carlo Poveda-Ocampo and Jeremie Frimpong consigned David Unsworth’s table-toppers to their first defeat in six league games.
Former Everton loanee Eliaquim Mangala - who cost the Citizens more than £30m back in 2014 - started for the hosts, who began the day fourth from bottom.
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Sambou put the Blues ahead from the penalty spot after less than two minutes when Anthony Gordon was brought down in the box but Garcia levelled shortly after.
Tommy Doyle’s corner was turned home by the City captain before Bernabe put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time.
A low cross was pushed out by Joao Virginia and the stopper was unfortunate to see the ball fall to Bernabe, who slotted home despite the best efforts of both goalkeeper and Morgan Feeney.
A second-half strike from Ian Carlo Poveda-Ocampo then looked to have secured all three points for Manchester City until Sambou converted an excellent team move.
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Nathan Broadhead moved the ball to Hornby who played in the overlapping full-back Brendan Galloway. His first time delivery was coolly slotted by Sambou to give the Blues hope with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Unsworth gambled by introducing Hornby, Matty Foulds and Kyle John in the second-half and it was the Scottish forward who eventually levelled proceedings.
City failed to clear a free-kick into the area and the ball fell kindly to the 19-year-old who was able to push home from close range.
Despite the momentum being in their favour, Everton were punished by Jeremie Frimpong four minutes later as the winger ghosted in at the back post and won the game for his side.
Brighton will now arrive at Goodison a week on Monday sitting second in the table and three points behind Unsworth's starlets with two games remaining.
Everton possess a healthier goal difference but will secure their second Premier League 2 crown in three seasons with victory over the Seagulls.
Everton (4-4-2) Virginia, Astley (John 71), Feeney, Gibson, Galloway, Bowler, Adeniran, Markelo (Hornby 59), Broadhead, Sambou, Gordon (Foulds 65)
