Man City’s defensive horror show at Everton leaves title hopes hanging by a thread | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes suffered a setback after a dramatic 3-3 draw away to Everton in a chaotic encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium tonight.

City began the match on the front foot and dominated possession in the early stages, controlling territory but struggling to break down a disciplined Everton defence.

Their pressure eventually paid off just before half-time through Jeremy Doku, who produced a moment of quality to open the scoring.

The winger cut inside and curled a superb effort into the top corner to give City a deserved lead at the interval.

However, the second half brought a dramatic shift in momentum as Everton responded with intensity and purpose.

The hosts equalised in unusual circumstances when a defensive error allowed Thierno Barry to score from close range.

Everton quickly built on that breakthrough and took the lead moments later through Jake O’Brien, who rose highest to head home from a corner.

City were left stunned as Everton extended their advantage again, with Barry grabbing his second goal after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the area.

Pep Guardiola’s side were trailing 3-1 despite their earlier dominance, with defensive lapses proving costly.

City responded with urgency and reduced the deficit through Erling Braut Haaland, who finished well to keep his side in the contest.

The visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser, committing bodies into attack as Everton attempted to hold on to their lead.

Their persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time when Doku struck again to rescue a point.

Collecting the ball on the edge of the area, the Belgian forward unleashed another powerful finish into the far corner to make it 3-3 with virtually the final kick.

Despite the late drama, the result will feel like a missed opportunity for City in the context of the title race.

Having taken the lead and then fallen behind, the draw highlights defensive vulnerabilities at a crucial stage of the season.

The dropped points leave Arsenal firmly in control of the title picture, with their rivals now relying on further slip-ups.

City’s unbeaten run continues, but this result may prove decisive as the race enters its final stretch.