Raheem Sterling’s late volley snatched a 1-1 draw for 10-man Manchester City, but their performance delivered more questions than answers as they struggled to create against a disciplined Everton defence.
City dominated possession in the first half, but it took them 34 minutes to really look like scoring, David Silva smacking a drive against the base of the post. Then, a minute late, they were behind, Leroy Sane foolishly keeping in play a ball he could have let out, thus allowing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lay on Wayne Rooney’s 200th Premier League goal.
And things soon got worse for the home side, Kyle Walker – deservedly booked for an earlier foul – shown a second, harsh yellow card after he was adjudged to have barged Calvert-Lewin.
The man advantage did not really help Everton, but City were largely frustrated, only mustering an equaliser in the 82nd minute when the hitherto excellent Mason Holgate headed onto Raheem Sterling’s laces; he drilled a fine volley past Jordan Pickford.
City then did all they could to force a winner, Sterling crossing when he should have shot and Davy Klaassen hooking a dangerous ball away at the last second. But there was no glaring opportunity, the most notable event a second yellow card – also harsh – shown to Morgan Schneiderlin, leaving both sides frustrated and relieved in equal measure.
Raheem Sterling rescues point for 10-man Manchester City
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