Manchester City’s struggles continued as Erling Haaland missed a second-half penalty in a frustrating 1-1 draw against Everton at the Etihad Stadium. The result leaves the reigning Premier League champions with just one win in their last 13 games across all competitions.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring early for City, but Iliman Ndiaye equalized for Everton, securing a crucial point for the Toffees, who now sit five points clear of the relegation zone in 15th place. City, meanwhile, climbed to sixth but could finish the day five points adrift of the top four.
City started brightly, with Josko Gvardiol hitting the post in the third minute. Their pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Jeremy Doku set up Silva, whose deflected shot looped over Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
However, City failed to capitalize on their dominance. Silva missed a golden chance to double the lead, and moments later, a defensive error by Manuel Akanji allowed Ndiaye to unleash a stunning strike into the top corner, leveling the match.
In the second half, City had a chance to regain the lead when Savinho was brought down in the box by Vitaliy Mykolenko, who escaped a second yellow card. Haaland stepped up but saw his poorly struck penalty saved by Pickford, extending his goal drought at the Etihad.
Haaland, who has scored just once in his last seven matches, also had a headed goal disallowed for offside. The Norwegian striker’s lean spell highlights City’s over-reliance on him, as he has played every minute of their Premier League campaign so far.
Speaking after the match, City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged the mounting pressure on his team. “The one team that has been in the Champions League every year is Manchester City. Now, of course, we are at risk,” he said.
Guardiola lamented his side’s inability to maintain momentum, a recurring issue during their poor run of form. Despite early dominance, City’s lack of clinical finishing and defensive frailties cost them valuable points once again.
Everton nearly snatched a dramatic winner in stoppage time. Jack Harrison’s effort was blocked after a four-on-two counterattack, ensuring both sides settled for a share of the spoils.
The draw leaves City’s hopes of Champions League qualification under threat, while Everton continues to edge away from the relegation zone with a hard-fought point.
