Manchester City’s perplexing slump deepened with a disappointing 1-1 draw against a struggling Everton side at the Etihad Stadium. This latest setback extends City’s winless streak to 12 matches in their last 13 outings across all competitions, a stark contrast to their recent dominance, having secured the Premier League title in four of the past five seasons. The draw leaves City in sixth place, precariously close to missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 15 years, a prospect manager Pep Guardiola openly acknowledged as a real threat. Everton, meanwhile, gained a valuable point in their fight against relegation, moving five points clear of the drop zone.
The match began with City showing promise, with Josko Gvardiol hitting the post early on. Their early pressure paid off when Bernardo Silva’s shot deflected off Jarrad Branthwaite, looping over Jordan Pickford to give City the lead. However, City’s inability to capitalize on their dominance and extend their lead would prove costly. Silva missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage, opting for a difficult finish with the outside of his boot instead of a simpler shot, leaving Guardiola visibly frustrated. Moments later, a defensive error by Manuel Akanji gifted Iliman Ndiaye a chance he emphatically seized, firing a brilliant strike into the top corner to equalize for Everton, their first away goal in over two months.
The second half saw City increase the intensity, with Pickford denying Savinho and Mateo Kovacic narrowly missing the target. A pivotal moment arrived when Vitaliy Mykolenko brought down Savinho in the box, resulting in a penalty for City. Erling Haaland, enduring his longest goal drought at the Etihad, stepped up but his penalty lacked conviction, allowing Pickford to make a comfortable save. While Haaland did manage to head the rebound into the net, the goal was correctly ruled out for offside. This missed penalty further highlighted Haaland’s recent struggles, having scored just once in his last seven matches and failing to find the net in his last four. Although Guardiola has downplayed Haaland’s individual form as the sole reason for City’s woes, their over-reliance on the Norwegian striker, who has played every minute of every Premier League game this season, undoubtedly contributes to their current difficulties.
The match could have ended even worse for City as Everton squandered a golden opportunity to snatch a late victory in stoppage time. A swift counter-attack presented them with a four-on-two advantage, but Jack Harrison’s shot was blocked, denying the Toffees a dramatic win. The draw leaves City in a precarious position, their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance. Their recent form has raised serious questions about their ability to compete at the highest level, with their attacking potency significantly diminished and defensive vulnerabilities exposed. The pressure mounts on Guardiola to find solutions and revitalize his team before their slump spirals further out of control.
The draw underscores the stark contrast between the two sides’ current trajectories. While Manchester City grapple with an unexpected downturn in form, Everton cling to every point gained in their desperate battle for survival. The result provides a much-needed boost for the Toffees, reinforcing their belief that they can escape the relegation zone. For City, however, the draw represents another frustrating stumble, raising concerns about their ability to recapture the form that has made them perennial title contenders.
The match also highlights the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, where even the most dominant teams can experience periods of vulnerability. Manchester City’s struggles serve as a reminder that sustained success requires constant adaptation and evolution. The challenge for Guardiola and his team is to identify the root causes of their current slump and implement the necessary adjustments to regain their winning formula. With the season still in its early stages, there is time for City to turn things around, but their recent performances suggest a deeper underlying issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The pressure is now firmly on Guardiola to find solutions and restore City to their former glory.
