Manchester City 1-1 Everton: Player review

Despite City mesmerising throughout, Guardiola’s men were not able to capitalise on their dominance as Everton held firm to earn a point.

Manchester City were twice given the opportunity to score from the spot, but De Bruyne and Aguero were not able to convert from their respective spot-kicks.

Everton punished them for not taking their chances, taking the lead against the run of play, with Lukaku scoring a brilliant solo goal. The home side needed a Nolito header to salvage a point from the match.

Player Ratings: 

Man City

Bravo (6) Had very little to do prior to Everton’s goal and couldn’t do much about Lukaku’s finish.

Otamendi (6) Played as right-sided centre-half; he looked comfortable and was solid throughout. However, he made a couple a rash challenges that put his side under pressure.

Stones (7) First time he faced his former club since his summer move and he demonstrated how far he has come along under Guardiola.

Clichy (6) Played in an unfamiliar role and looked assured in his new role. But, Lukaku beat him too easily for the goal.

Sane (7) He was electric in the first 20 minutes, Oviedo could not match his pace and balance and had the beating of the Costa Rican until he switched flanks. He faded after the break.

Sterling (6) Didn’t quite manage to reach the standards of late but he was not through a lack of effort. Wasn’t able to get the better of a resilient Everton defence.

Gundogen (7) He was the conductor in Man City’s midfield. He was allowed time and space by Everton and was the main reason they were pegged back.

Fernandinho (7) Another dominating display by the Brazilian who is perhaps the most underrated midfielder in the league.

Silva (9) Was City’s best player, he was always involved and Everton could not handle his intricate passing and his silky dribbling. Set up the goal for Nolito.

De Bruyne (7) The great news for City is that De Bruyne is back. He was a constant danger throughout, however, he was unable to convert from the penalty spot.

Iheanacho (5) Was kept quiet by Everton’s two centre-backs and wasn’t involved enough in the game.

Subs

Aguero (5) Came on for Iheanacho and was offered a chance to equalise from the penalty spot but his effort was saved by Stekelenburg. Can’t seem to score from the spot at the moment for club or country

Nolito (7) Scored the equaliser for his side with his first touch.

Kompany (N/A) Came on as a late substitute but it was brilliant to see the captain back from his long injury absence.

Everton

Stekelenburg (9) Two excellent penalty saves and made numerous world class saves throughout the game. Would have been given a 10 but he conceded late on.

Coleman (6) Was not allowed to go forward as City’s wingers pegged him back throughout.

Oviedo (4) The Costa Rican left back had a torrid time, could not get close to Sane especially in the opening 20 minutes. Didn’t fare much better when Sterling switched to the right flank.

Jagielka (7) He was immense throughout, he had to be tough against a rampaging Man City attack but made two rash challenges that resulted in both of the Citizens penalties

Williams (9) A leader amongst men, the Welshman was solid throughout, he had to endure an unrelenting Man City attack but stood tall to the challenge.

Gueye (7) could not get near City’s midfielder but he was solid and provided his team with much needed energy.

Barry (7) Was defensively sound and used his experience to slow down the game for his side.

Cleverley (6) Struggled to make any impact on the game and was overawed by the pace of City’s play but came into his own in the second half.

Deulofeu (6) Provided an outlet for his side on the counterattack and tracked back to help out Oviedo.

Bolasie (7) He was key in Everton’s counter attacking play, his pace, trickery and power caused City problems and his flick set up Lukaku for his goal.

Lukaku (8) Was isolated for large parts of the game, but managed to win flick ons for his team. His goal was of real quality and if he continues his form he can become the most feared striker in the country.

Subs

McCarthy (7) Worked hard upon his introduction and gave City less time on the ball. Proved his worth to his side.

Mirallas (6) Added fresh legs to side in the last 10 minutes.

Funes Mori (N/A) Added an aerial presence as Koeman’s men defended the point.