Erling Haaland’s missed penalty in the second half meant Manchester City’s poor form continued on Boxing Day. Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton in Thursday’s Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium.
The reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, lost more ground in the title race this season as they were held to a home draw against Everton.
However, things could have been very different if Haaland had not seen his second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford.
Despite taking the lead at the Etihad in this Boxing Day encounter, Guardiola’s team was once again unable to secure all three points, meaning they have won less than half (8/18) of their league matches in the 2024-25 season so far.
Bernardo Silva put City ahead in the 14th minute, sliding the ball in with a deflection from Jarrad Branthwaite helping it past Pickford.
It was the Portuguese midfielder’s fourth Premier League goal against the Toffees. He has only scored more against Watford in the competition (5).
Silva could have made it 2-0 for City in the 33rd minute, but what he couldn’t do, Everton managed, forcing Guardiola’s side to pay the price just three minutes later when the visitors equalized.
Iliman Ndiaye made it 1-1, expertly curling the ball into the top corner from inside the box. It was Ndiaye’s third Premier League goal of the season and his first since October 19, 2024, against Ipswich, according to Albanian Post
City came out for the second half eager to regain the lead, and it took just five minutes for them to get a fantastic opportunity. However, Savinho’s effort was blocked by Vitalii Mykolenko.
Haaland was handed the chance to end a three-game goal drought from the penalty spot, but his shot was saved by Pickford. Moments later, he was caught offside after scoring from a Silva assist.
Chances were scarce for both sides after that disallowed goal, with City struggling to break through Everton’s defense.
Everton offered little in the second half, with just four shots after the interval, but securing a point at the Etihad is certainly a result to celebrate for Sean Dyche’s side.
Meanwhile, Albanian international striker Armando Broja entered the game in the 70th minute, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin. In his 26 minutes on the pitch, the 23-year-old had 13 touches, 100% passing accuracy, won three out of four duels, and completed one out of two dribble attempts successfully.
