Manchester City 1-1 Everton: Erling Haaland misses penalty as champions held to disappointing draw by Toffees

Erling Haaland saw his penalty saved as Manchester City were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Everton at the Etihad Stadium.

Bernardo Silva opened the scoring for City inside 14 minutes when he squeezed between the Everton backline to meet Jeremy Doku’s through ball and convert from a tight angle, helped by a save from Jarrad Branthwaite.

City had plenty of chances to double their lead, with Silva going close again when Phil Foden played the ball in for the Portugal international, but his resulting close-range shot was just wide.

Everton equalized in the 36th minute when Abdoulaye Doucoure’s deep cross found Iliman Ndiaye, who half-volleyed to find the top corner.

City had a chance to retake the lead just after half-time when referee Simon Hooper pointed to the spot after Savinho was brought down in the box by Vitaly Mikolenko.

However, Haaland’s low shot was saved by Jordan Pickford and his misery was compounded when he was flagged for offside after finding the net seconds later.

The draw means City’s slump continues, with just one league win in nine games, while Everton secured their third draw in a row.

City then return to action against out-of-form Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, December 29. Meanwhile, Everton host Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola was missing a number of big names as Manchester City welcomed Everton to the Etihad Stadium, yet very few people would call the squad he named ‘weak’.

City took the lead partly by chance, but from there they couldn’t press and eventually gave Everton a way back into the game. And while many would have expected Haaland to take his spot, the striker’s lack of confidence continues to show – the Norwegian has now failed to score in four games on the spin.

There were flashes from Savinho, Doku, Foden and Bernardo Silva, but once again there were problems connecting the dots and individual efforts were not enough. Even the introduction of Kevin De Bruyne failed to provide the spark Guardiola would have hoped for.

Everton’s defense was once again a testament to Sean Dyche and his team.

While the Toffees lacked clinical finishing, they were able to get back on level terms through Iliman Ndiaye and City had few chances with an impenetrable defense sitting deep and unwavering.

Pickford must be credited for making a crucial stop just before the penalty was awarded and his subsequent impressive save gave Everton the chance to take a point away from home.

Man City: Ortega 6, Lewis 6, Akanji 6, Ake 6, Gvardiol 6, Kovacic 6, Bernardo (C) 7, Savinho 7, Foden 6, Doku 6, Haaland 5 Subs: De Bruyne 5, Gundogan 5, Simpson-Pusey 5

Everton: Pickford 8, Coleman 7, Tarkowski 7, Branthwaite 7, Mykolenko 6, Mangala 7, Gueye 7, Doucoure 7, Harrison 6, Calvert-Lewin 6, Ndiaye 7. Subs: Patterson 6, Broja 6, Lindstrom 6

14′ GOAL! MAN CITY 1-0 EVERTON (BERNARDO SILVA 14′) Everton looked hard to penetrate in these early stages and with the sixth best defensive record in the league, Bernardo Silva is able to squeeze between the backline to meet Jeremy Doku’s through ball and convert from a tight angle – though it might have been. helped by a Branthwaite deflection.

34′ ALMOST SECOND FOR BERNARDO SILVA It’s great play between Foden and Haaland, before the former plays the ball to Bernardo Silva, but he can’t make the turn from close range and shoots.

36′ GOAL! MAN CITY 1-1 EVERTON (NDIAYE 36′) Everton is back on the level! It’s patient play, Doucoure sends the cross to the far post and it’s a great finish from Iliman Ndiaye that leaves Ortega no chance.

50′ EXCELLENT PICKFORD SHOT It’s a quick stop from Pickford to deny Savinho before Kovacic misses to the left of goal.

51′ PENALTY TO CITY! Mykolenko struggles to deal with Savinho and City have been ruthless so far in this first half. Savinho drops in the box and it’s an easy decision for Simon Hooper.

53′ PENALTY MISSED! Would you believe it? Erling Haaland steps up to take the penalty and goes to Pickford’s right. Pickford makes the right save but the ball goes into the air and Haaland has an easy header down from close range to find the net but it’s ruled offside.