Everton came agonisingly close to beating Manchester City at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last night, dropping two points right at the death.
David Moyes’ side produced an excellent second-half performance to take a 3-1 lead against City, but couldn’t close the game out, with Erling Haaland and Jeremy Doku both scoring for the visitors.
How do you even begin to explain that? 😫
Everton have conceded late on AGAIN… 😡
It’s a result that now makes Everton’s pursuit of European football very difficult.
There remains an outside chance, but the form of other teams may see the Toffees run out of games to catch up.
It was a pulsating game, and here are a few takeaways.
Everton must improve at seeing games out
Everton have now conceded injury-time goals in each of their last three games, to Doku, Callum Wilson and Virgil van Dijk, costing the club five points.
Who is to blame for this? 🙄
This is becoming a real issue for Everton and costing them valuable points! 😭
Unfortunately, Everton appear to have a bit of a problem with seeing games out, which is frustrating.
The goal by Doku last night may never have happened had Everton just managed the game better and got the ball towards the City corner flags.
This needs to change, before it becomes a real psychological problem.
Everton’s contact with PGMO had no effect amid new VAR controversy
Everton were in contact with the PGMO after the handball incident last weekend against West Ham United.
David Moyes declined to reveal the explanation they gave for that, but it was crystal clear that he didn’t find it satisfactory.
Another penalty decision not going in Everton’s favour? 🫣
Bernardo Silva wasn't even looking at the ball 🤷♂️
Against City, Bernardo Silva was allowed to wrestle Merlin Rohl to the ground, and this was checked and cleared by VAR.
There was no attempt by Silva to play the ball, and his sole purpose was to completely negate the German. Moyes was left fuming after the game once again, as were Evertonians far and wide.
Merlin Rohl vindicates surprise selection big time
Merlin Rohl came in for a surprise start against City, replacing Dwight McNeil on the right side.
This certainly raised eyebrows, but Rohl was one of Everton’s best players on the night, earning praise from Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher after the game.
Rohl made several great bursts, showcasing brilliant athleticism, and had a hand in two of Everton’s three goals.
His performance begged the question; why has he barely played in recent weeks?
Whatever the reason, Rohl has surely put himself firmly in contention to start again against Crystal Palace.
A night to forget for Iliman Ndiaye in front of goal
Everton scored three goals against City – but it should have been more.
Iliman Ndiaye was a big threat in the second-half, but squandered two big chances for Everton.
His first came at 1-0 down, when he was one-vs-one with Gianluigi Donnarumma. His effort was very tame.
Then at 1-1, Ndiaye had another great chance, outmuscling Abdukodir Khusanov but being unable to get a clear shot away after Marc Guehi recovered.
At 2-1, Ndiaye had a third good chance, but his left-footed effort from the edge of the box was again tame and saved by Donnarumma.
He ultimately wasn’t the reason Everton dropped points, but his poor finishing was frustrating to see.
Much better from Thierno Barry
Thierno Barry has come in for a lot of criticism recently, but he made a huge impact on this game coming off the bench.
It didn’t happen for Beto but Barry instantly got Everton level. He then scored to make it 3-1 after Jake O’Brien had put the Toffees ahead.
Do we all owe this man an apology after his performance against Man City? 👀
Credit where it's due, he was absolutely fantastic! 👏
- READ MORE: Thierno Barry lifts lid on secret talks he had with David Moyes before Everton vs Man City
Overall, his body language was better than in recent appearances.
His hold-up play left a bit to be desired, but this was much more like it from Barry and we need to see more of it from the Frenchman.
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