David Moyes was full of praise for his side(Image: PA)

David Moyes hailed Iliman Ndiaye as ‘the best player on the pitch’ while Everton went toe-to-toe with Manchester City.

The winger created two glorious chances for Beto and forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a finger-tip save as he continued his fine form by putting on a first-half masterclass at the Etihad Stadium.

Even with this game seemingly beyond the Blues, Ndiaye’s quality shone through as he battled past Oscar Bobb to find Merlin Rohl in the box in the second half. The German youth international’s header hit the side netting but it was another reminder of the threat posed by Ndiaye.

Asked about his display after the 2-0 defeat to City, Moyes said: “Ili was the best player on the pitch in the first half. He might have got taken over by [Phil] Foden as the game went on, but I think that IlI is the one who really made a big difference for us.”