Manchester City scored a late equaliser against Everton but defender Marc Guehi's error proved significant with the margins in the title race with Arsenal so small
Rayan Cherki and Marc Guehi during Manchester City's match with Everton
Rayan Cherki consoles a dejected Marc Guehi(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Manchester City's stars have rallied around Marc Guehi after the England international's error cost the Premier League title challengers against Everton. Rayan Cherki, Nathan Ake and Gianluigi Donnarumma all responded after Guehi spoke out.
The January signing produced a disappointing backpass that released Everton forward Thierno Barry to equalise in the 68th minute after Jeremy Doku had given Pep Guardiola's side the lead. Everton won some momentum to then go 3-1 up, thanks to another striker from Barry and a goal from Jake O'Brien.
City came back to secure a late point thanks to Erling Haaland and a 97th-minute equaliser from Doku. But only sharing the spoils now means City need Arsenal to slip up in their final three matches, with five points separating the teams.
Following the match, Guehi acknowledged that he needed to do better and was focused on an improved performance against Brentford at the weekend.
"I need to do better," he said on Instagram. "But we keep going & focused on the next. Thank you for your support as always! Thank you Jesus!"
A wave of support followed his post with team-mate Cherki sending an emphatic reply. "You are STRONG," he said, accompanied by two fire emojis.
Ake and Donnarumma both responded with hearts to Guehi's words.
Thierry Henry could not understand the defender's thought process in playing the ball back inside his own area. The former Arsenal forward believes the ex-Crystal Palace star would have been aware of Barry's presence.
A dejected Marc Guehi
A dejected Marc Guehi during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester City(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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"I don't know why Guehi makes that pass because you know he's offside," he said. "It's tough on the defence because you hold the line so well. You put him offside, you know he's offside.
"I don't know why Guehi here, doesn't keep the ball and step out with it. He knows. He passes the ball. They were nervous as soon as Everton went more direct, long ball, fighting for the second ball."
Speaking following the match, Guardiola admitted that Premier League success is now out of his team's control.
"It depends. [The title] is not in our hands. Before that game it was, and Arsenal's as well. But now, in our hands, no," Guardiola said.
"We have four games in the Premier League, next is Brentford, and it will be quite similar because the competitors are good, and we will see what happens. "Of course, [we go into those games with belief], like we came here."