Marc Guehi admitted he needs to do better after his costly backpass gifted Everton a goal, as Man City dropped points and handed Arsenal a crucial advantage in the title race
A dejected Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi made a costly error against Everton, which could have big ramifications in the title race(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Manchester City's players have shown their support for Marc Guehi after the England international's costly mistake proved damaging for the Premier League title hopefuls against Everton. Rayan Cherki, Nathan Ake and Gianluigi Donnarumma all responded after Guehi broke his silence.
The January signing produced a disastrous backpass that allowed Everton forward Thierno Barry to level in the 68th minute after Jeremy Doku had put Pep Guardiola's side ahead. Everton then seized the initiative to go 3-1 up, courtesy of another strike from Barry and a goal from Jake O'Brien.
City fought back to salvage a late point through Erling Haaland and a 97th-minute equaliser from Doku. However, dropping two points means City now need Arsenal to falter in their final three matches, with five points currently separating the two sides.
After the final whistle, Guehi admitted he must raise his game and insisted he was already looking ahead to the clash with Brentford at the weekend.
"I need to do better," he said on Instagram. "But we keep going and focused on the next. Thank you for your support as always! Thank you Jesus!"
An outpouring of support followed his post, with team-mate Cherki delivering a rousing response. "You are STRONG," he said, accompanied by two fire emojis. Ake and Donnarumma both replied with hearts to Guehi's comments.
Thierry Henry struggled to comprehend the defender's decision-making in playing the ball back inside his own box. The former Arsenal forward reckons the ex-Crystal Palace man would have known Barry was lurking.
"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.
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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"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."
After the final whistle, Guardiola conceded that Premier League glory is no longer in his side's hands.
"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."