Manchester City dealt another blow to their Premier League title quest after blasting a half-time lead to a 1-1 draw against Everton at the Etihad on Saturday night.
The draw meant the reigning champions are four points behind league leaders Arsenal, who travel to Brighton at the start of the evening.
Erling Haaland gave the hosts the lead in the 24th minute after brilliant wing play from Riyad Mahrez on the right flank.
The Algerian shifted the ball to his right foot and moved into the path of Halland, who fired on goal despite being off balance for his 21st league goal of the season.
John Stones came close to doubling the hosts’ lead when his diving header hit the post from a floating Kevin De Bruyne free-kick.
The city dominates Everton
City were by far the better team with Everton barely setting foot in the game. However, the visitors took advantage of their luck and stoic defending to score on 64 minutes thanks to a wonderful effort from Demarai Gray.
Rodri uncharacteristically fed the ball to Idrissa Gueye who fed Gray and the latter, despite slipping, initially sent the ball into the top right corner from 20 yards out to restore parity.
Pep Guardiola waited until the 87th minute to score three late changes, but Everton somehow managed to hold on for eleven minutes of added time to secure a point that would have felt like a win for Frank Lampard.
This was the first time since 2017 that the Toffees had managed to earn a point at the Etihad. For Guardiola’s side, they have now been unable to win back-to-back Premier League home games since 2021.
City currently sit second in the table with 36 points from 16 games and will host Chelsea next Thursday.
16th-place foe Everton, whose sole ambition is to avoid relegation this season, just three points from relegation, host Brighton at home on Tuesday.
Photo credit: IMAGO / Propaganda Photo
