Doku scores late to salvage draw in six-goal thriller
A turbulent 13-minute period in the second half for Manchester City during a six-goal encounter at Everton may have significant consequences for the visitors' pursuit of the Premier League title this season.
Monday's match was among the most exciting of the campaign, and the outcome, following an extraordinary finish, could prove crucial as the season concludes.
Pep Guardiola's team initially led 1-0 courtesy of Jeremy Doku's impressive goal but then conceded three goals within 13 minutes, including a brace from Thierno Barry—one resulting from a Marc Guehi error—and a header from Jake O'Brien.
Erling Haaland quickly reduced the deficit, and Doku secured a late equalizer, earning a point for City. Despite this, City lost ground to league leaders Arsenal over the weekend, placing the title's fate firmly in Arsenal's control.
The fixture at Hill Dickinson Stadium was anticipated to be challenging for Guardiola's squad, and the result confirmed this, with City dropping two points against a team striving for a European qualification spot.
"It's better than losing," said Guardiola. "It shows what type of team they are.
"[The title is] not in our hands. Before it was, now it's not. We have games left. We will see what happens."
Arsenal now require three wins from their remaining three matches to secure their first league title since 2004.
Former Gunners striker Thierry Henry commented on Sky Sports: "I wouldn't be thinking 'we can afford to drop points now' if I was Arsenal, but it is back in their hands, that is a fact.
"I am going to stay in my lane, I am not going to celebrate too early. Nothing is done."
Man City score late equaliser but title hopes dented in Everton thriller
When can the title be won?
Following their draw at Everton, Manchester City's maximum achievable points total this season stands at 83.
Arsenal currently have 76 points and understand that three victories from their final three fixtures will secure the championship.
The Gunners also hold a superior goal difference by four goals, providing an additional advantage.
There is a scenario in which Arsenal could clinch the league as early as Wednesday, 13 May. Should they defeat West Ham on Sunday and City lose to Brentford a day prior, a further City defeat against Crystal Palace would hand Arsenal the title with two matches remaining.
However, if both teams continue winning, the title race will extend to the final stages of the season.
"That is a big dent in the title race for Manchester City, but you have got to pick yourself up and go again," former Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam said on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Many twists and turns may still occur before the season concludes.
Guardiola looks to the positives
City have three home games remaining against Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa on the final day of the season (24 May).
Their remaining away fixture is at in-form Bournemouth, scheduled just three days after their FA Cup final appearance.
While City pursue a domestic treble, Arsenal have a realistic opportunity to claim both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Arsenal's European semi-final against Atletico Madrid remains finely balanced ahead of Tuesday's second leg, following a 1-1 draw in Madrid last week.
Arsenal's remaining league matches are away at relegation-threatened West Ham, followed by a home game against already-relegated Burnley, and a final-day trip to Crystal Palace.
"I am worried for the West Ham game," Henry added. "Like I was worried for Manchester City's match today."
pundit and former England captain Wayne Rooney predicted on his BBC podcast that Arsenal will win all their remaining league games and secure the title.
Nonetheless, City will be concerned by their collapse against Everton, having taken the lead but failing to maintain it.
January signing Marc Guehi was responsible for the opening goal, and City's defense was repeatedly breached. Everton should have been comfortably ahead before conceding a 97th-minute equalizer.
City supporters who had left the stadium had to quickly return when Haaland scored, reigniting hope before Doku's goal secured a point.
Guardiola reflected: "A really good performance. We played outstanding in the first half. Really, really good.
"In the second half, they made a step up and we maybe weren't as aggressive and after [that] we gave away the goal.
"They came back and made it a proper English game - so, so aggressive in the duels.
"But in general, we made a really good performance."
How vital could Doku's late strike be?
"Really good goals from Doku in really good game" - Guardiola
In a season where Arsenal lead in scoring from set-pieces, this aspect may prove detrimental for City.
Guardiola's side have conceded eight goals from corners this league season, matching the total from their previous two campaigns combined.
City typically strengthen their performance late in the season and managed to salvage a draw on Monday, but they have now dropped the joint-most points from winning positions in the league since the start of the year, alongside Tottenham and Newcastle.
City managed to secure a draw from a losing position at Everton, but the significance of that point may only be clear in the coming weeks.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports: "I hope I'm right on this, but I go back to when Liverpool and City were competing for the title in 2014.
"City drew a game at home to [bottom club] Sunderland... and they scored late on. It felt like two points dropped but it was actually that point that won them the league.
"We won't know how important [Doku's] goal will be - who knows."
When asked whether he expects a congratulatory message from former Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, Toffees manager David Moyes said:
"I speak with Mikel now and again, but he has his own things to focus on.
"He has to win his own games but tonight I am disappointed because we were on the verge of taking three points against the best team - at the moment - in the Premier League.
"Whether they go on to prove it by winning it, I don't know, but there is no doubt they are playing better than anyone else in the league."
'City aren't finished yet' - your views
David: I simply don't know how to feel. If it was Everton equalising there at the end, it would be pure ecstasy but the fact of City nicking a point from the jaws of defeat feels like a punch in the gut. Gives them confidence and momentum.
Ben: As an Arsenal fan, I'm not devastated at all... City could have been miles ahead at half-time and weren't. It's in our hands which is all we can ask for. Huge week ahead, COYG.
Jamie: I would have taken a draw tonight all day long as an Arsenal fan. Never expected Everton to take anything tonight but they played really well. Disappointed for them that they dropped points. They played a blinder. City choked tonight hugely. Pep will be livid with his defenders.
Abid: As good as City are they seemed really inexperienced today. With all the talk about them finishing seasons strongly, this is a City team without the experience and calmness of De Bruyne, Gundogan and fully fit Rodri. They don't seem as invulnerable as they have in the past.
Harry: To me, I don't even think a draw at West Ham will help us. I don't see us fixing the goal difference even if we're mathematically level on points with Arsenal. The truth is we did hand the game to Everton today and they did excellently to take it. Race over.
Hemsworth: If Arsenal had played like City and dropped two points the media opinion would be 'they bottled it' but City showed bravery and resilience . Or to put it another way they bottled it!
Paul: City aren't finished yet. We will fight right to the end. Brilliant Doku goals.
