Man City's Gabriel Jesus scores twice in win vs. Everton

Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Gabriel Jesus scored a goal in each half of Manchester City's 3-1 win against Everton on Saturday at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England.

The Brazilian striker opened the game with his first score in the 22nd minute. The Sky Blues carried the 1-0 edge through the halftime whistle before Jesus added his second tally in the 50th minute.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin cut the City lead in half in the 65th minute, netting Everton's lone goal. But Raheem Sterling clinched the Premier League victory with the Sk Blues' final score in the 69th minute.

"Gabriel is so important," City manager Pep Guardiola told reporters. "Strikers need to score goals. The difference today was that he scored as he was in better positions. It's so good for him and our team. His performance was so valuable."

Leroy Sane assisted both of Jesus' scores, slipping a through ball into the left side of the box on the first tally. Jesus tracked down the pass and used his first touch for a left-footed boot past keeper Jordan Pickford.

Jesus' second half score came after Sane lifted a cross through the box with his left foot. The ball curled over the defense and fell perfectly into Jesus, who used a powerful header to beat Pickford easily into the net.

City's next match comes against Leicester City in the Football League Cup quarterfinals at 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday at King Power Stadium in Leicester, England.