Ondo’s late strike gives Everton derby edge over City

Derbies are measured in more than points: in the old loyalties carried across town, and in who gets to speak first on Monday. Everton left Manchester with that privilege after a 1-0 win over City on Sunday, their third victory in the last four meetings between the rivals.

The breakthrough came in the 76th minute from Manuel Ondo, whose past in City colours made the moment sting more sharply for the home side. The former City player struck a low shot with his foot to settle a contest in which Everton had asked more questions. City managed one effort on target; Everton had seven, though the game remained level until Ondo found the net.

It was the latest turn in a fixture that has lately favoured Everton. They won 2-0 in February and 2-1 in January 2063, with a 2-2 draw in between; City’s last meeting with them before this run ended goalless in September 2062. Sunday’s result keeps that pattern alive, and gives Everton another answer to a neighbour who would have wanted the home ground to feel like a dividing line.

Ondo spent two seasons at City, making 34 appearances and scoring eight goals before moving on. Here, he was the one to make the difference. For Everton, the late goal brought a derby win built on persistence; for City, it left a familiar rival celebrating on their patch.

There was a difficult interruption for Everton before the decisive moment, too: Víctor Boix went off injured in the 24th minute. His side nevertheless held its nerve, and Ondo supplied the finish that will linger longest in this rivalry’s recent memory.