Match Report and Player Ratings: Manchester City 1-1 Everton (Premier League) | OneFootball

Manchester City took another blow in the Premier League, this time in the traditional Boxing Day schedule as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

Having won just one game in their last nine matches in the English top-flight, manager Pep Guardiola and his City team were desperate to bag all three points at the Etihad Stadium to give them some hope of a resurgence this season.

Bernardo Silva’s goal put Manchester City in front, but Iliman Ndiaye’s sensational half-volleyed equaliser and Erling Haaland’s missed penalty in the second-half denied the reigning champions a much-needed win.

City created early chances through Phil Foden, clipping the ball towards Josko Gvardiol who was denied by the post in the opening exchanges. But the play hinted at the champions’ preparation for creating more, which had been widely lacking in their previous matches.

Savinho – arguably the brightest prospect in Manchester City’s attack during the first-half – was skilfully penetrating through Everton’s defence from the right and Vitaliy Mykolenko found it challenging to contain the Brazilian.

However, the Blues’ opening goal came from the left when Jeremy Doku found Bernardo Silva inside the box with a tactful pass in-behind James Tarkowski. The Portuguese playmaker delayed, racing against Jarrad Branthwaite, and was forced to take a shot from a narrow-angle.

That effort deflected in off a sliding Branthwaite, causing the ball to spin around Jordan Pickford and find its way into the corner to give Manchester City their opening goal. Bernardo Silva had a clear chance to score a second not too long after…

This time it was Erling Haaland who won the ball, sliding into Phil Foden who found an incoming Bernardo Silva, leaving him to take the shot at an unguarded goal but his outside-of-the-foot attempt saw the ball flash well-wide of the far post.

Then it was Manuel Akanji who failed to clear a ball from Abdoulaye Doucouré’s cross, and the ball fell to an unmarked Iliman Ndiaye, evading Rico Lewis at the far post and sending a half-volleyed effort beyond Stefan Ortega to give the visitors an equaliser.

Into the second-half and Savinho, who had troubled Mykolenko all afternoon, saw the Everton defender kick him inside the box. Erling Haaland took the resulting spot-kick towards the bottom left corner, which Jordan Pickford comfortably save.

The champions would go on to create a few more chances in the game, but it was Everton who ultimately stood firm through until the final whistle, which was followed by some boos ringing around the Etihad Stadium.

Although City showed considerable improvement in their attacking plays and created more chances with familiar ease, Sean Dyche’s side – boasting one of the best defences across top European leagues – was enough to keep the champions from taking all three points.

Manchester City will have another chance to end their winless streak in their final match of the calendar year on Sunday afternoon as they travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City.

Before then, here is how we rated the individual performances of the Manchester City squad in a drab Boxing Day outing at the Etihad Stadium!

Player Ratings

Starting XI

Stefan Ortega – 6

Was not frequently tested by Everton, but did well with ball distribution when required. Couldn’t do anything for the goal.

Rico Lewis – 5

Looked comfortable at right-back, especially when City were playing from behind, despite a few nervy moments. Took his chances with driving the ball forward but focused mainly on defensive duties, made a few good blocks.

Manuel Akanji – 5

Should have done better to clear Abdoulaye Doucouré’s cross, practically gifted a chance to Iliman Ndiaye to score the equaliser.

Nathan Ake – 6.5

Looked stable in the defensive line-up, made good blocks, but concerns over another injury

Josko Gvardiol – 6

Played high up on the left flank, did well to help create chances, and nearly scored a goal. But it made him vulnerable with his defensive role inside the City half.

Mateo Kovacic – 6

Composed in his defensive-midfield role, did solid work helping the defence and took long-range shots but would hope to see more of them trouble the keeper.

Bernardo Silva – 6

Scored the opener, missed a huge chance. Sums up the Manchester City team at the moment.

Phil Foden – 6.5

He is nowhere near his best, but Foden is slowly growing more assured on the ball. The England international made brave plays and looked hungry to create chances whenever he found the ball at his feet.

Savinho – 6

Best attacked in the Manchester City side, struggled with his final third, but was brave and skilful with his run-ins. Troubled his defender and found his way past Everton regularly.

Erling Haaland – 4

He missed clear chances, but his penalty miss best described his awful performance. There was plenty of service, but the Norwegian couldn’t convert any.

Jeremy Doku – 6

Helped create the first goal and should do better in finding his teammates in front of the goal.

Substitutes

Kevin De Bruyne – 6

Did not impact the game as much as he would have liked and couldn’t help Haaland find redemption

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey – N/A

Ilkay Gundogan – N/A