Almost Defeated by Everton, Man City Trail Arsenal by 5 Points

A dramatic Draw hindered Manchester City's pursuit of the Premier League title this season. The Citizens had to settle for a 3-3 draw when visiting Everton's home ground at Hill Dickinson Stadium during the 35th week early Tuesday morning WIB. 

Everton nearly stole victory through Thierno Barry's brace and Jake O’Brien's goal. Meanwhile, two goals from Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland ensured Pep Guardiola's squad took at least one point from this fiercely contested match from the first to final minute.

This result illustrates the tight competition at the top. City could only narrow the point gap to five points behind Arsenal, though they still have one game in hand.

Meanwhile, Everton sits in 10th place with 48 points.

From the kickoff whistle, City dominated play. Chance after chance was created, including opportunities for Rayan Cherki in the 7th and 18th minutes, both thwarted by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford.

City's dominance finally paid off in the 43rd minute. Jeremy Doku's curling shot to the top left corner beat Pickford, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Everton played more effectively after the break. Thierno Barry capitalized on Marc Guehi's errant pass to equalize in the 68th minute. 

The momentum shifted five minutes later when Jake O’Brien's header caught Gianluigi Donnarumma off guard, Putting the hosts ahead 2-1.

Everton extended their lead to 3-1 in the 81st minute with Barry's second goal. But City responded quickly. Two minutes later, Erling Haaland reduced the deficit to 3-2 by finishing Mateo Kovacic's through ball.

Just as the match seemed destined for Everton, Doku became the difference-maker. The Belgian winger scored his second goal in the 90+7th minute. His curling strike secured the 3-3 final score and preserved City's title hopes.

This result puts City at 71 points from 34 matches. Pep Guardiola's squad now trails leaders Arsenal by 5 points, with the Gunners holding 76 points from 35 games.  

Lineups

Everton (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Vitaly Mykolenko, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien; Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner; Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Alcaraz 90+2'), Merlin Rohl (Patterson 90+2'); Beto (Barry 64')

Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Nico O'Reilly, Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov, Matheus Nunes; Bernardo Silva (Marmoush 87'), Nico Gonzalez (Kovacic 75'); Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, Antoine Semenyo (Foden 74'); Erling Haaland