In this Everton vs Man City match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
There are matches that seem under control, until they are not. And this was exactly that: a game City dominated for long periods, but which ended in complete chaos in the final minutes.
The first half is almost entirely one-way traffic. City on the ball, a lot of it, pushing Everton back. It is not chaotic dominance, it is patient. They pass, circulate, try to find spaces in a very compact defence. Everton close the central areas well, protect the box and force City wide. And that is where Doku comes in. Always in one-on-ones, always trying to create something different. He is practically the only one causing imbalance.
Even so, clear chances? Very few. A lot of volume, little clean finishing. Until the 43rd minute, when the moment arrives. High press, recovery near the box, the ball falls to Doku. He cuts inside, creates space and curls it into the top corner. One of those goals that unlock tight games. 1–0.
At half-time, the feeling is simple: game controlled, fair result, Everton offering nothing. But the second half changes everything, and it changes because of City themselves.
The tempo drops, the intensity disappears and Everton begin to believe. Not because they are playing brilliantly, but because the opponent allows it. There are warning signs in a few transitions, in mistakes building from the back, in strange decisions.
Then, in the 68th minute, the error arrives. A completely misplaced back pass from Guéhi, short and weak, and Barry takes advantage. Simple anticipation, quick finish, equaliser. A gift. 1–1. And what follows is the most telling part. Instead of reacting, City hesitate.
Straight after, a corner for Everton. Ball into the area, O’Brien rises above everyone and heads it in from close range. 2–1 and the match descends into total disorder.
City completely lose their emotional balance and Everton take full advantage. In the 81st minute, a quick transition, space to run, a pass inside and Barry appears again, unmarked, to tap in. 3–1.
But if City have defensive issues in this match, they also have enough attacking talent to never give up. In the 83rd minute, an immediate response. A perfect long ball, Haaland attacks the space and, one-on-one, finishes with class, a delicate chip. 3–2. From that moment on, it is total pressure.
Everton try to hold on, to clear, to waste time. City push, shoot, insist. And when it seems too late, in the 97th minute, the equaliser. A corner is only half-cleared, the ball falls to Doku outside the box. He does not hesitate. A curling strike, another brilliant goal. 3–3. A chaotic ending to a game that looked settled.
And in the middle of all this, one clear conclusion: City controlled the match, but too many mistakes cost them dearly.
Post-match
A draw that feels like a defeat for City. They drop points at a decisive stage and expose weaknesses that cannot appear at this point of the season.
