Penalty woes haunt Haaland as Everton frustrate Guardiola’s injury-stricken City in Boxing Day thriller

Despite Bernardo Silva’s early strike, City were pegged back by Iliman Ndiaye’s sharp finish, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side without a win in three Premier League matches.

With injuries ravaging the defending champions’ squad, Guardiola fielded an uncharacteristically youthful bench, missing key figures such as Rodri, Ederson, Ruben Dias, and Jack Grealish.

Nevertheless, City started strongly. Josko Gvardiol came close within three minutes, his header rattling ..., while Savinho’s lively runs troubled Everton’s defence.

City’s breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute when Bernardo Silva latched onto Jeremy Doku’s through-ball. A deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite helped loop the Portuguese’s shot over Jordan Pickford, giving the hosts an early lead.

However, Sean Dyche’s Everton, buoyed by recent draws against Arsenal and Chelsea, hit back with purpose.

Orel Mangala fired a warning shot over the bar before Ndiaye’s clinical half-volley in the 36th minute punished Manuel Akanji’s missed clearance, levelling the contest.

City’s momentum seemed to reignite after halftime.

Savinho forced a sharp save from Pickford, and Mateo Kovacic narrowly missed the target.

Then came a pivotal moment—Vitalii Mykolenko’s foul on Savinho gifted City a penalty. However, Haaland’s tame effort was superbly saved by Pickford, denying the Norwegian striker his redemption.

As anxiety mounted, City pushed for a winner.

Substitute Kevin De Bruyne injected energy but couldn’t breach Everton’s disciplined backline.

The visitors, led by the returning Séamus Coleman, nearly snatched a shock victory when Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jack Harrison squandered late opportunities.

The result leaves City grappling with mounting questions about form and depth as Everton, resilient and composed, celebrated another hard-fought point against Premier League heavyweights.

Erling Haaland’s penalty miss proved costly as Manchester City’s struggles continued in a frustrating 1-1 draw against Everton at the Etihad Stadium, Soccernet.football reports.

Despite Bernardo Silva’s early strike, City were pegged back by Iliman Ndiaye’s sharp finish, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side without a win in three Premier League matches.

With injuries ravaging the defending champions’ squad, Guardiola fielded an uncharacteristically youthful bench, missing key figures such as Rodri, Ederson, Ruben Dias, and Jack Grealish.

Nevertheless, City started strongly. Josko Gvardiol came close within three minutes, his header rattling ..., while Savinho’s lively runs troubled Everton’s defence.

City’s breakthrough arrived in the 14th minute when Bernardo Silva latched onto Jeremy Doku’s through-ball. A deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite helped loop the Portuguese’s shot over Jordan Pickford, giving the hosts an early lead.

However, Sean Dyche’s Everton, buoyed by recent draws against Arsenal and Chelsea, hit back with purpose.

Orel Mangala fired a warning shot over the bar before Ndiaye’s clinical half-volley in the 36th minute punished Manuel Akanji’s missed clearance, levelling the contest.

City’s momentum seemed to reignite after halftime.

Savinho forced a sharp save from Pickford, and Mateo Kovacic narrowly missed the target.

Then came a pivotal moment—Vitalii Mykolenko’s foul on Savinho gifted City a penalty. However, Haaland’s tame effort was superbly saved by Pickford, denying the Norwegian striker his redemption.

As anxiety mounted, City pushed for a winner.

Substitute Kevin De Bruyne injected energy but couldn’t breach Everton’s disciplined backline.

The visitors, led by the returning Séamus Coleman, nearly snatched a shock victory when Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jack Harrison squandered late opportunities.

The result leaves City grappling with mounting questions about form and depth as Everton, resilient and composed, celebrated another hard-fought point against Premier League heavyweights.