The Cityzens end 2022 on a false note. Manchester City players had to settle for a frustrating draw against an ailing but combative Everton team in the 18th day of the Premier League (1-1). Erling Haaland opened the scoring (25th) but Demarai Gray answered him superbly (64th). Still second in the standings, Pep Guardiola’s men leave the field open to Arsenal who challenge Brighton. Newcastle, 3rd, was also held in check by Leeds (0-0).
Premier League
Haaland, the ice man
19 HOURS AGO
Everton, who are sailing just above the red zone and remained on three league defeats, succeeded despite a difficult start to the game. Haaland doesn’t need to be pissed off to string together goals, but he becomes even more dangerous when he is. Shaken by Ben Godfrey in an aerial duel during the first seconds of the match, the Norwegian remained on the ground for a while complaining of his right ankle. He got up with the firm intention of replying.
City slack off too much
Haaland first shot into Jordan Pickford’s small outside net after rounding it on the left (11th). While Manchester City finally moved up a gear after a quiet start to the game, the Cyborg opened the scoring with a right recovery after superb work by Riyad Mahrez (1-0, 24th). He already has 21 league goals this season, a record at this time of year.
Faced with harmless visitors, the Mancunians completely mastered the debates but the diving header from John Stones ended up on the post of Pickford (44th). Quietly back on the field after the break, the Cityzens took a hitch with a smile due to a technical concern from the refereeing corps.
Gray surprises his world
This deconcentration was suddenly punished by the Toffees. Gray sped down the left, easily pivoted into Ederson’s box and cleared his left corner with a perfect curling shot on his team’s very first shot (1-1, 64′). Annoyed, the Mancunians reacted and launched the siege of the surface of Pickford who however resisted against Mahrez and his teammates (70th and 82nd).
The late entries of Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Ilkay Gundogan (87th) did not bring much even if Rodri missed the match point at the last second (90th + 13). Beaten by Brentford before the break (1-2), Manchester City signed another poor performance at the Etihad Stadium before going to challenge Chelsea in the league and then in the Cup.
Newcastle in slow motion before the clash
This afternoon English do the business of the leader Arsenal because Newcastle, third, also lost points against a poorly ranked. Eddie Howe’s men who only framed 4 of their 15 shots remained silent on their lawn against Leeds (0-0).
They remained however on 8 victories in a row including 6 in the league. Unwelcome ahead of next week’s Magpies-Gunners clash.
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