Man City's poor form continued as the Premier League champions were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Everton, with Erling Haaland again malfunctioning in front of goal and having his second-half penalty saved by Jordan Pickford.
Looking to close the gap on the top four and the Champions League places, the hosts made the ideal start at the Etihad as Bernardo Silva's shot was fortuitously deflected into the far corner off Jarrad Branthwaite's outstretched leg.
But instead of settling home nerves, City's failure to score a second added tension to the game and minutes after Silva spurned a gilt-edged chance to double their lead, Everton levelled through Iliman Ndiaye's third goal of the season.
Bernardo Silva celebrates after giving Man City a first-half lead against Everton
Image: Bernardo Silva celebrates after giving Man City a first-half lead against Everton
However, the Senegalese still had a lot to do to first cushion Abdoulaye Doucoure's pass, before flashing a shot past a helpless Stefan Ortega as the sides went in level at half-time, but with a sense of frustration around the stadium.
Team news
City made three alterations from the team that lost at Aston Villa as manager Pep Guardiola brought in Nathan Ake, Jeremy Doku and Savinho in place of John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish, who all missed out, while Kevin De Bruyne was only on the bench
Sean Dyche made just the one change from Sunday's draw with Chelsea at Goodison Park as skipper Seamus Coleman came in for the suspended Ashley Young in their back line.
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City had the chance to get back to winning ways, though, when Vitaliy Mykolenko hacked down the lively Savinho in the box six minutes into the second half, only for Jordan Pickford to read Haaland's mind to keep out the Norwegian's low penalty - and even though the striker then headed in from close range after Phil Foden headed the rebound his way, he was offside in a moment that summed up both his and the champions' recent struggles.
Iliman Ndiaye celebrates after equalising for Everton at the Etihad
Image: Iliman Ndiaye celebrates after equalising for Everton at the Etihad
As a result, City moved up just one place to fifth in the table as their dreadful run of late stretched to one win in 13 games, while Sean Dyche's side are now 15th after another impressive result on the road.
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