Manchester City was held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Everton at the Etihad Stadium on December 26, 2024, extending their streak of games without victory to five matches. The reigning Premier League champions found themselves almost unrecognizable as they stumbled to yet another disappointing result, leaving them with only one win across their last 13 matches.
City started positively, as Bernardo Silva found the net early, scoring the first goal within just 14 minutes. After receiving a pass from Jeremy Doku, Silva’s shot, which deflected off a defender, caught Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford off-guard and put City 1-0 up. This early lead, though welcomed, quickly turned sour.
Everton responded resiliently and equalized just before halftime. Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on City’s defensive error, converting from Abdulaye Doucouré’s cross in the 36th minute to level the match at 1-1. This marked the first away goal for Everton since early October, showing their potential for fighting back even against formidable opponents.
Despite controlling possession and attempting to prop up their faltering campaign, City couldn’t convert their chances consistently. A significant moment came shortly after the break when City was awarded a penalty. City fans hoped it would be the turning point, but Haaland’s effort was thwarted by Pickford, who dove to make an impressive low save.
The Norwegian striker later saw what seemed to be the go-ahead goal ruled out for offside, adding to the air of frustration for the home side. Guardiola, who has seen his side drop to sixth place, expressed his concern after the match. “City is facing serious issues, and of course, it is true,” he acknowledged, reinforcing the challenges his squad currently faces.
With the draw, Manchester City remains stuck, now five points adrift of the Champions League spots, with their defensive issues continuing to plague their campaign. This situation stands as particularly sobering considering their previous dominance over the past few seasons.
Meanwhile, Everton’s performance delivered some relief. They managed to earn their valuable point, drawing with tough teams consecutively, including Arsenal and Chelsea, which lifted them to 15th on the Premier League table, five points clear of the relegation zone.
Haaland’s recent form draws scrutiny, as he has only managed to find the back of the net once in his last seven outings. Guardiola has hinted at the broader issues affecting his team’s performance, which are not solely dependent on one star player. “We are too reliant on him,” he noted at one point, emphasizing the necessity for stronger collective efforts if City hopes to regain their competitive edge.
The continued absence of decisive, energetic play reminiscent of City’s former glories leaves fans anxious, with many questioning the mental strength and tactical adaptability of the squad. With the winter transfer window approaching, the urgency to address these gaps seems pressing.
For City, this draw signifies more than just another match without victory; it embodies their struggle to reclaim their dominant stature and confidence within the league. Their next fixtures have become pivotal, with fans holding their breath to see if Guardiola can steer his side clear from this worrying trend and rekindle the fighting spirit needed to mount a successful campaign.
The road to recovery will demand not just tactical changes, but also psychological fortitude from all players as they look to emerge from this unusually challenging period, hoping to return to the upper echelon of English football.
