Is the title slipping away? Man City winners, losers and ratings as Haaland goal not enough to beat Everton
Pep Guardiola’s side were forced to settle for a draw at the Etihad Stadium after Demarai Gray netted a brilliant equaliser for the Toffees
Erling Haaland scored his 21st Premier League goal of the season for Manchester City, but it wasn’t enough for all three points as Everton battled back to snatch a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian striker had worried supporters in the opening exchanges when he went down after a challenge from Ben Godfrey that left him needing treatment, and the entire groundseemed to breathe a sigh of relief as Haaland was able to continue.
Haaland then took just 24 minutes to continue his incredible goalscoring form by netting the opening goal after good work from Riyad Mahrez.
City looked set for a routine victory until Demarai Gray popped up with a goal that will live long in the memory for Everton fans as they edged away from the relegation zone.
GOAL runs down the biggest winners and losers as the title race took another twist…
- The WinnersErling Haaland:
Haaland was, of course, on target against Everton to hit yet another landmark in his fledgling Premier League career. He has 21 league goals already this season, more than any other player has ever managed before the turn of the year. There’s no doubt Haaland was fired up for this one. The Norwegian celebrated winning a free-kick in the first half and then did his best to whip up the home crowd which had gone a little quiet as half-time approached. Haaland followed all that up with a flying challenge on Vitalii Mykolenko that brought a deserved yellow card and complaints from the Everton players who surrounded the referee to make their frustration at the striker known. And so while City didn’t win, this was yet another example of what Haaland brings to the table.
Demarai Gray:
Gray has openly admitted he has had a tough time over the last few years, but he lit up the Etihad Stadium with a truly brilliant individual goal that ensured Everton took home a point. There looked to be no real danger when Gray was sent scampering into the City half and took off towards Ederson’s goal. The winger had two defenders for company but it didn’t faze him in the slightest. Instead he simply stopped, checked back, looked up and then curled the ball over goalkeeper Ederson from just inside the penalty area. It was the kind of goal that deserved to win a game, but Everton won’t be too unhappy to escape the home of the Premier League champions with a point.
Arsenal: The Premier League title race took yet another turn with City failing to beat Everton while simultaneously Newcastle being held by Leeds. Arsenal would surely have expected a City win and the gap at the top to be cut to two points ahead of their game with Brighton, but it simply wasn’t to be. Can the Gunners really blow it from here, even with both City and Newcastle to play twice?!
Getty ImagesThe LosersRodri:
City were 1-0 up and in complete control of this game when Rodri carelessly gave the ball away just after the hour and let Everton right back into a game which had looked beyond them. The ball was quickly transferred to Gray who went on to score a goal of the season contender that completely changed the match. Everton were suddenly a team transformed, full of belief, and promptly went off in a search of another goal. The Toffees could not find a second goal, while City eventually managed to find a way back into the game late on. However, it was too late by then as the visitors hung on to put a dent in City’s title hopes.
Man City’s defence: Everton didn’t manage a single effort on goal in the first half and struggled after the break too. Indeed, Gray’s goal was the visitors’ first effort on target in the match. It was a similar story last time out against Leeds, too. The Whites barely threatened Ederson’s goal as Man City raced into a 3-0 lead, but when they did, they managed to find the back of the net. Pep Guardiola’s side only conceded 26 goals on their way to the title last season. This season the champions have already let in 16 and it’s starting to cost them.
Phil Foden: Guardiola left Foden on the bench again versus Everton, with Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez featuring in attack alongside Haaland. The trio linked up perfectly for the opening goal, but that was about as good as it got for the trio. Foden had to wait on the bench until the 87th minute to be introduced. The England international did look bright after he had arrived but simply did not have enough time to make an impact in the game, and it’s a mystery as to why he wasn’t given more minutes.
Getty ImagesMan City Ratings: DefenceEderson (6/10):
Had barely anything to do other than pick the ball out of the net.
Rico Lewis (7/10):
Another start for the teenager and another accomplished showing.
John Stones (7/10):
Unlucky not to score in the first half when he hit the post with a header.
Manuel Akanji (5/10):
Couldn’t get close to Gray to prevent the Everton man equalising.
Nathan Ake (6/10):
A solid showing at full-back from the Dutchman.
Getty ImagesMidfieldRodri (5/10):
Enjoyed a great first half but was guilty of gifting possession away for the equaliser.
Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):
Lively enough but couldn’t conjure up a winner when City needed him most. Booked for a foul on Onana.
Bernardo Silva (5/10):
Fairly quiet showing from the Portugal international.
Getty ImagesAttackRiyad Mahrez (7/10):
Showed great footwork to tee up Haaland for the opener.
Erling Haaland (8/10):
Scored his 21st goal of the season but had a quiet second half.
Jack Grealish (6/10):
Involved in the opening goal and saw plenty of the ball but struggled to really hurt Everton.
Getty ImagesSubs & ManagerPhil Foden (7/10):
Lively but couldn’t find a winner.
Ilkay Gundogan (6/10):
Helped City boss the closing stages.
Julian Alvarez (6/10):
Arrived to a huge reception after his World Cup heroics but had precious little time to make an impact.
Pep Guardiola (5/10):
Will be frustrated to see his side drop points at home, particularly after taking the lead. Took too long to make changes to his team when his team needed a goal.
