O’Reilly, Kovacic strike late to help City beat Everton 2-0

Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic (right) celebrates scoring vs Everton on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Manchester City's chances of Champions League football next season were given a huge boost as two late goals from Nico O'Reilly and Mateo Kovacic helped the Citizens beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday to move up to fourth in the Premier League.

O'Reilly turned in Matheus Nunes' inviting cross in the 84th minute before Kovacic blasted in from the edge of the box to turn an uninspired performance from Pep Guardiola's men into a priceless three points. A defeat for Everton meant they will have to wait to mathematically guarantee survival in the English top-flight.

Also Read: Arteta hopes Arsenal can delay Liverpool's title celebrations

A top-five finish will be enough for City to qualify for the Champions League for a 15th consecutive season. Guadiola's side still have little margin for error in the last five games, but have opened up a four-point lead on sixth-placed Chelsea.

Sunday's results

>> Brentford 4 - 2 Brighton
>> West Ham 1 - 1 S'hampton
>> Palace 0 - 0 Bournemouth

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