Thu Dec 26 14:47:59 UTC 2024: ## Pickford’s Penalty Save Stuns City as Everton Hold Champions to Draw
**Liverpool -** Manchester City’s dismal run continued on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at Goodison Park. The result extends City’s winless streak to 12 games across all competitions, with their record now standing at P13 W1 D3 L9 F15 A28.
Everton took the lead in the first half through a deflected shot from Bernardo Silva. However, Iliman Ndiaye equalized for the Toffees after Akanji’s poor clearance allowed Ndiaye to score a clinical finish.
The match took a dramatic turn shortly after half-time when Erling Haaland’s penalty was brilliantly saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Despite City dominating possession and creating several chances, they were unable to find a winner, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Everton’s recent form has been remarkable, avoiding defeat against Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and now City in the last three weeks. Manager Pep Guardiola admitted the draw was an unfair result, citing missed chances and a late defensive lapse that nearly cost his side the game. He also downplayed City’s title aspirations, emphasizing a need to focus on each match individually.
The game saw several late chances for both teams, with Everton’s Armando Broja and City’s Kevin De Bruyne coming close to scoring. However, neither side could break the deadlock, leaving City with another frustrating result. The draw leaves City in a precarious position, raising serious questions about their title defense.
First Piper 