Manchester City dropped crucial points in the title race after being held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Everton FC, with a late equaliser denting their hopes of catching log leaders Arsenal FC.
The match burst into life just before halftime when Jérémy Doku curled home a superb effort to give City the lead. However, Everton responded with intensity after the break, turning the game on its head in a stunning spell of attacking football.
Substitute Thierno Barry made an immediate impact, capitalising on a defensive error to level matters before completing his brace minutes later. In between his goals, Jake O’Brien rose highest to power in a header from a corner, putting the hosts 3-1 ahead and sending the home crowd into raptures.
City, however, refused to fold. Erling Haaland quickly pulled one back with a composed finish, keeping the visitors within touching distance and shifting the momentum once again.
As the clock ticked down and Everton looked set for a memorable victory, City found one final moment of quality. Deep into stoppage time, Doku struck again, curling a precise effort into the corner to salvage a point for Pep Guardiola’s side.
After the match, Everton manager David Moyes expressed his frustration at his side’s inability to see the game out.
“We should have killed the game when we were 3-1 up,” Moyes said. “At this level, against a team like City, you have to stay focused until the final whistle. We did so much right, but switching off at key moments has cost us.”
On the other side, Guardiola admitted his team were far from their best but praised their resilience to fight back late in the game.
“We didn’t control the game like we normally do, and we made mistakes that Everton punished,” Guardiola said. “But the reaction was good. To come back like that shows the mentality of the players.”
He added: “A point is not ideal in a title race, we know that. But sometimes you have to accept the situation and keep going. There are still games to play, and we will keep pushing.”
The result could prove costly for City in the title race, as they lose valuable ground on Arsenal, while Everton will be left frustrated after letting a commanding lead slip late on.
