Manchester City found more room in the game for Bernardo Silva to allow them to seal a big three points at Everton.
Pep Guardiola's side were frustrated in the first half by an Everton team that refused to give them an inch, holding their own defensively and countering when they got the chance in possession.
But the Blues kept their cool on a chilly night on Merseyside and Phil Foden scored before Rodri escaped a contentious penalty decision at the other end as the game ended 1-0.
City deserved their goal when they scored, having ground down the Everton defence and forced a number of top saves from Jordan Pickford. Guardiola certainly saw an improved performance from his team in the second half, in no small part because of the greater role of Bernardo in the game. With Foden and Joao Cancelo combining with him, City were able to find their groove.
"We didn't find him in the first half and in the second half we found him much much better, especially when played in attacking midfield," he said.
"They were so important, with Joao, Phil and him we created good actions that finally we could score a goal.
"Over 90 minutes we were better, the second half was much better. It was not easy in the first half. They allowed us just to play to the central defenders, they didn't allow us to play inside.
"When this happens it is always difficult. We were patient, the second half was much much better and in the end we deserved to win."
