Manchester City 1:1 Everton
Manchester City’s struggles continued even on Boxing Day football. Despite playing at home, facing a relatively weaker opponent, and a history of consecutive Boxing Day victories, none of it worked in Pep Guardiola’s favor. The Premier League champions had to settle for a 1–1 draw against Everton after initially taking the lead.
This marks four consecutive league matches without a win for the reigning champions. Across all competitions, City has managed just one victory in their last 13 games.
City could have won 2–1 in today’s match at the Etihad. In the 51st minute, a foul on Savinho earned them a penalty. Erling Haaland, taking his time before the shot, failed to convert it. The striker, struggling in City’s recent slump, saw his weak left-footed shot brilliantly saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Earlier, Bernardo Silva had given City the lead in the 14th minute, but Iliman Ndiaye equalized for Everton in the 36th minute. Despite two first-half goals, neither team could find the back of the net in the second half. Haaland’s missed penalty summed up the frustration for City, who ultimately left the pitch disappointed.
Before today, Manchester City had won all seven of their previous Boxing Day matches.
The continuous loss of points has now raised concerns about City’s qualification for the next Champions League season. With 28 points from 18 matches, City currently sits in sixth place, but their position could drop further as all 19 other teams have played at least one game less than City.
Table-toppers Liverpool are 11 points ahead of City, having played two games fewer. Meanwhile, Everton, with 17 points from 17 matches, is positioned 15th.
