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Everton player ratings from the 3-3 draw against Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton missed out on a chance to produce a famous Hill Dickinson Stadium victory as Manchester City snatched a draw at the death of the Premier League fixture.
The Toffees had fought from behind to lead 3-1 through substitute Thierno Barry’s double and a Jake O’Brien header. But David Moyes’ side could not hold on, with a late Jeremey Doku wonder strike, his second of the game, earning City a share of the spoils.
The point keeps Everton in the reckoning for European qualification, while City dropped points in the title race with three games remaining.
Everton had to soak up plenty of pressure from City in the closing stages. In the 18th minute, Rayan Cherki had a shot saved by Blues goalkeeper Jordan Pickford before Antoine Semenyo flashed wide.
On 32 minutes, Everton mustered their only real attack of the first half - and went agonsingly close. Merlin Rohl got in behind the City defence and put a ball into the box but keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma got a crucial touch with Beto lurking behind.
City again started to build momentum and eventually found the breakthrough two minutes before half-time when Doku created space on the edge of the box and picked out the top corner.
The encounter sparked into life after the break and as the game became more open, Everton posed a threat. Iliman Ndiaye spurned a golden chance when he burst through and was left one-on-one with Donnarumma and had a shot saved.
But in the 68th minute, Everton were gifted an equaliser. Marc Guehi underhit a backpass that Barry latched on to and slid a shot beyond Donnarumma. Five minutes later, Everton were in dreamland when they went ahead, with James Garner’s corner being met by O’Brien who headed home.
And it got even better for the Blues when they added a third with nine minutes remaining. Rohl burst towards goal and cracked a misplaced shot but the ball found its way to Barry, who adjusted his feet well to net.
Erling Haaland did reduce the deficit moments late, which set up a nervy finish. And in the dying embers, Doku conjured up another moment of magic when he again picked out the top corner with a stunning curling effort.
In truth, a draw did little for both sides’ ambitions. But with three games remaining, it remains possible for Everton, now in 10th, to still clinch a return to Europe.
Everton player ratings vs Man City
Jordan Pickford -6
Made a comfortable save from Cherki in the first half and no chance with Doku’s opener. Barely tested in the second half other than the two goals he had little chance to save.
Jake O’Brien - 7
Given a tough time against Doku in the first half. But didn’t have to do as much defending after the break and got himself on the end of the corner to head Everton in front. Then won the ball back off Doku that led to Everton’s third goal. Booked late on for a foul on Doku.
Michael Keane - 6
Made a couple of importance clearances in the first half but perhaps lucky to have only been booked for a rash challenge on Doku. Couldn’t get near Haaland for important City’s second goal.
James Tarkowski - 6
Blocked two shots in the first half. Booked early in the second half when caught out by an Haaland run. Then couldn’t get near Haaland for City’ second goal.
Vitalii Mykolenko - 6
Generally did well against Semenyo in the first half. Quietly sound in the second half and made a simply brilliant tackle on Omar Marmoush late on to stop an attack.
Merlin Rohl - 7
The engineer of Everton’s best chance in the first half but perhaps should have pulled the ball back for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Meant to shoot when assisting Barry for Everton’s third but no-one cared. Gamble from Moyes paid off.
James Garner - 7
Made a couple of important tackles in the first half but maybe afforded Doku too much space to shoot. Dug in after the break, covering so much ground and whipped in the corner for O’Brien’s goal.
Tim Iroegbunam - 7
Could have used the ball better at times but made some excellent tackles.
Iliman Ndiaye - 5
Worked hard in the first half but couldn’t have an attacking impact. Had two big chances he couldn’t take in the second half but gave City plenty of problems. Profligate.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall - 6
Tried to make things happen when he got the ball in the first half. Continued that way in the second period and had more joy.
Failed to hit the target with the follow-up from Rohl’s cross and booked for a late challenge on Marc Guehi. Subbed in the 64th minute.
Sub 1 - Thierno Barry - 8
Won a flick on to create a chance for Ndiaye then fully profited from Guehi’s gaffe. Then adjusted really well to notch Everton’s third goal.
Sub 2 - Nathan Patterson - N/A
Sub 3 - Charly Alcaraz - N/A
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