Manchester City had to be satisfied with only a point as they were held on by a resolute Toffees team, making it three games without a win for the Citizens
Pep Guardiola was left frustrated by Ronald Koeman’s team in a match which could have easily ended as a one-sided contest had it not been for Everton’s goalkeeper, Marteen Stekelenburg. According to his manager, he played the game of his life, saving not one but two penalties – first one from Kevin De Bruyne and the second from Sergio Aguero along with other crucial saves during the course of the game.
Manchester City have no one but themselves to be blamed for the dropped points, though they still continue to be at top of the table but only by the virtue of a higher goal difference over the in-form Gunners.
There were plenty of surprises in the team lineup, with 20 year old Kelechi Iheanacho being preferred over star striker Sergio Aguero while Kevin De Bruyne started after an injury absence of around a month. There was also a first start in the Premier League for new signing Leroy Sane, in what appeared to be a 3-2-2-3 formation for the team in sky blue. Ronald Koeman fielded a predictable line up with only surprise being Deulofeu starting over Barkley.
Manchester City dominated the proceedings of the first half and were duly rewarded with a penalty after Phil Jagielka tripped David Silva in the penalty box. Kevin De Bruyne stepped up to take the penalty in the 43rd minute to open the scoring but keeper Marteen Stekelenburg had some other plans as he dived to his left, saving the shot.
Ronald Koeman made a tactical tweak at half time with Deulofeu playing upfront along side Lukaku in a 4-3-1-2, with a view of more direct running toward’s the City backline. The change worked to some effect, as Everton attacked with more impetus in the second half but City settled down and began to control the proceedings once again, with Sergio Aguero being called upon to replace Iheanacho in the 56th minute, as they began looking desperate for a goal.
Few mins later, Romelu Lukaku found with himself with the ball at the halfway line after a clearance from Gana Gueye fell to Yannick Bolasie who then flicked it cleverly to the Everton striker. The 23-year-old then went on a superb solo run, beating Gael Clichy for pace and then finishing off in style to give Everton the lead against the run of play.
Just six minutes later, City were awarded another penalty as Phil Jagielka (again) appeared to have fouled inside the box. This time Sergio Aguero stepped up to take the penalty, but it was met with the same result as Marteen Stekelenburg stopped his second penalty of the evening with an identical save to the one he made in the first half.
Aguero, usually a reliable option from the spot, has now missed a remarkable four penalties this season. Birthday boy Nolito saved City’s blushes as he equalized with his first touch of the game shortly after coming on as the sub after a good cross by fellow Spanish team-mate David Silva was met with his header.
City kept pressing for the winner but Everton held on firmly till the final whistle. Manager Pep Guardiola said in a post match interview he was satisfied with the performance of team as his the players gave their everything but sometime results don’t go your way.
Ronald Koeman also paid compliment to the City side stating this was the best team he has faced as a manager and they are the best team in England in his opinion.
Romelu Lukaku’s goal v City today! ??⚽️? pic.twitter.com/bPk1UbyMir
— Transfer Swoop (@SwoopTransfer) October 15, 2016
9,605 of you triple-captained Sergio Aguero this weekend…
That’s a total score of -3 points ? pic.twitter.com/QQqnzLTV5e
— FPL (@OfficialFPL) October 15, 2016
If I was Stekelenburg I’d be taking my missus to the most expensive restaurant in the area tonight, and send Jagielka the bill.
— Adam Bennett (@adbennoEFC) October 15, 2016
Yesterday was a pretty good day for Maarten Stekelenburg. https://t.co/sXecNnd7C2
— Ed (@dixiessixty) October 16, 2016
Clichy trying to face down Lukaku for the goal must’ve felt like the last man left on the streets of Pamplona when the big one gets released
— Sam Wallace (@SamWallaceTel) October 15, 2016
SPOTTED: Pep Guardiola trying to steal Ronald Koeman’s hair. ? pic.twitter.com/7Xbmh8C6cG
— SPORF (@Sporf) October 15, 2016
Splatterpunk – particularly domyhomework.guru extreme and bloody horror
