Manchester City’s struggles continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton on Boxing Day, despite Bernardo Silva’s early goal and Erling Haaland missing a crucial penalty.
The champions, now with just one win in their last 13 matches across all competitions, are provisionally sixth in the table with 28 points.
They sit 11 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who hold two games in hand, and could drop as low as eighth by the end of the day. Meanwhile, Everton remain 15th, five points clear of the relegation zone.
The Etihad Stadium erupted in the 14th minute when Jérémy Doku sent a ball through Everton’s defense, allowing Silva to slide in and finish from a tight angle.
The shot deflected off Jarrad Branthwaite before finding the far corner, bringing an animated celebration from Pep Guardiola, who pumped both fists in the air. Silva’s goal ended Everton’s three-game run of clean sheets.
However, the visitors were not deterred. In the 36th minute, Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on a defensive error by Manuel Akanji, who failed to clear a cross.
Ndiaye controlled the ball and unleashed a precise shot from the center of the box into the top right corner, leaving the City fans stunned.
Manchester City had a golden opportunity to reclaim the lead in the second half. After Seamus Coleman brought down Savinho in the box, Haaland stepped up to take the penalty.
But Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford guessed correctly, diving to save the shot.
The rebound fell to Haaland, who headed it into the net, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Haaland, the Premier League’s top scorer in the past two seasons, has now managed just four goals in City’s last 14 league games.
City dominated the match with 24 shots to Everton’s eight. Josko Gvardiol nearly scored early on, but his header struck the post.
Silva, aiming for a brace, missed a chance from the top of the box, sending his shot wide.
In injury time, Rico Lewis fired over the crossbar, wasting another opportunity to snatch victory.
As City fans exited the stadium dejected, Everton supporters celebrated exuberantly.
They hailed Pickford, chanting “England’s number one,” as the goalkeeper gifted his shirt to a young fan in the away section.
The result capped another frustrating outing for the reigning champions while providing a morale boost for Sean Dyche’s resilient side.
