Manchester City endured a frustrating Boxing Day as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at the Etihad Stadium. Erling Haaland’s missed penalty proved costly, with Jordan Pickford delivering an outstanding performance to deny the Norwegian striker.
Pep Guardiola’s side has now secured only one win in their last 13 matches across all competitions, leaving them in seventh place in the Premier League standings. With mounting defensive issues and a lack of clinical finishing, City’s title hopes are fading.
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An Early Lead Squandered by Man City
City struck first through Bernardo Silva, donning the captain’s armband in a rare league lineup devoid of stalwarts like Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish. Silva’s deflected strike, following a precise pass from Jeremy Doku, found the back of the net in the 14th minute, easing tensions among the home crowd.
However, defensive lapses cost City dearly. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye equalized with a stunning finish in the 36th minute, capitalizing on Manuel Akanji’s inability to clear Abdoulaye Doucoure’s cross. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, City failed to retake the lead.
Pickford’s Heroics Deny Haaland
The game’s turning point came early in the second half when Savinho won a penalty for City, brought down in the box by Everton’s Vitalii Mykolenko. Haaland stepped up to take the spot-kick but was thwarted by a brilliant save from Pickford, who dived low to his right to keep the game level.
This marked the first time Haaland failed to convert a penalty in the Premier League, further compounding City’s frustrations. Pickford’s save was his seventh for Everton in the Premier League, tying Tim Howard’s club record. His performance also continued his remarkable form, having saved a penalty against Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon earlier in the season.
City’s Defensive Frailties Exposed
Manchester City’s defensive lapses have become a recurring theme this season. The team has conceded 62 goals in 2024—their highest total in a calendar year since 2016. City’s inability to maintain leads is also concerning, as they have allowed nine equalizers in matches where they scored first.
Josko Gvardiol’s early effort rattled the post, and Silva squandered a chance to double the advantage, reflecting City’s wastefulness in front of goal. Even with Kevin De Bruyne introduced late in the game, City struggled to unlock Everton’s resolute defense.
Everton’s Resurgence Under Dyche
Everton showcased their growing resilience under Sean Dyche. Following consecutive 0-0 draws against Arsenal and Chelsea, the Toffees earned another valuable point against a top opponent. Ndiaye’s well-taken goal and Pickford’s penalty save exemplified Everton’s ability to seize critical moments.
Although Everton had chances to steal a late winner, including Orel Mangala’s deflected effort, Dyche praised his team’s energy and commitment. “Great energy from the players. We saved the penalty, and Jordan made a lot of good decisions today,” Dyche remarked. Everton’s disciplined display moved them to 15th place in the league, further distancing them from the relegation zone.
Guardiola’s Frustration and the Road Ahead
Pep Guardiola expressed his disappointment with City’s inability to secure victories despite dominating matches. “Of course, we need results and didn’t get them. The team played really good in all departments, but unfortunately, we couldn’t do it,” he said.
City’s struggles mirror broader issues of inconsistency and defensive lapses. With Everton climbing the table, City faces increasing pressure to find solutions as they prepare for a crucial encounter against Leicester. Guardiola must address their defensive vulnerabilities and rekindle their clinical edge in attack if they are to salvage their season.
The Boxing Day clash highlighted Jordan Pickford’s pivotal role for Everton, as his penalty save against Erling Haaland marked his seventh in the Premier League for the club. This feat ties him with Tim Howard for the most penalty saves in Everton’s history. Across the league, only Brad Friedel (10 with Blackburn Rovers) and Jussi Jaaskelainen (nine with Bolton Wanderers) have made more penalty stops for a single club.
For Manchester City, defensive frailties remain a glaring issue. Since the start of November, they have conceded 26 goals in all competitions—only Germany’s FC Heidenheim (28) has conceded more among Europe’s top five leagues in the same period. City have allowed 62 goals in 2024, their highest in a calendar year since 2016, when they conceded 67. Additionally, they have shipped nine goals in nine Premier League matches where they scored first this season, averaging one per game—City’s worst record since the 2005/06 campaign.
Sean Dyche continues his frustrating winless run against Pep Guardiola, now at 16 matches (D2 L14). This streak is only eclipsed by Steve Bruce’s 17-match winless record against Sir Alex Ferguson in Premier League history.
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FAQs
How did Erling Haaland fare in the match against Everton?
Haaland missed a crucial second-half penalty, which was saved by Jordan Pickford, marking only his second miss in 17 Premier League spot-kicks.
What historical milestone did Jordan Pickford achieve in the game?
Pickford saved his seventh Premier League penalty for Everton, tying the club record set by Tim Howard. Only two other goalkeepers, Brad Friedel (10) and Jussi Jaaskelainen (9), have saved more penalties for a single club in league history.
How has Manchester City performed defensively in recent months?
Since November, City have conceded 26 goals across competitions, the second-most in Europe’s top five leagues during this period. They have allowed 62 goals in 2024, their worst calendar year since 2016.
What is Sean Dyche’s managerial record against Pep Guardiola?
Sean Dyche is winless in 16 Premier League matches against Guardiola (D2 L14), the second-longest streak without a win against a single manager in the competition’s history.
How does Manchester City’s defensive record this season compare to past campaigns?
City have conceded nine goals in nine Premier League matches after scoring first, averaging one goal per game—this is their worst average since the 2005/06 season.
