Jérémy Doku Late Strike Rescues Manchester City in Six-Goal Thriller at Everton
Manchester City saw their Premier League title hopes take a significant hit despite a dramatic 3–3 draw against Everton on Monday night at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
In a pulsating encounter, Jérémy Doku emerged as City’s savior, curling in a stunning stoppage-time equaliser to snatch a point and prevent what would have been a damaging defeat in the title race. However, the draw leaves City trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points, with only one game in hand.
City looked in control early on and went into halftime with a 1–0 lead thanks to Doku’s opener. The visitors dominated possession and pinned Everton deep in their half, creating several chances through Rayan Cherki and Antoine Semenyo, though neither could extend the lead.
The match turned dramatically after the break. Everton capitalized on a costly mistake by City defender Marc Guehi, whose misplaced back pass gifted substitute Thierno Barry an easy finish. Barry struck again moments later, either side of a header from Jake O’Brien, as Everton scored three goals in just 14 minutes to take a stunning 3–1 lead.
City, shaken but not broken, responded quickly. Erling Haaland pulled one back to reignite the contest, as Pep Guardiola’s side regained composure after a chaotic spell in which they struggled to maintain control.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made key saves to preserve the lead, while James Garner produced a crucial challenge to deny Haaland earlier in the match.
Just when it seemed Everton would secure a famous victory, Doku delivered the decisive moment. With virtually the last kick of the game, the Belgian winger curled home a superb equaliser, denying Everton manager David Moyes a first career win over Pep Guardiola.
While City showed resilience to fight back, the dropped points could prove costly in the title race. For Everton, it was a bittersweet result after coming so close to a memorable win against one of the league’s top sides.
