Pep Guardiola lamented his side's defensive lapses as Manchester City squandered a lead to draw 3-3 at Everton, a result that strengthens Arsenal's grip on the Premier League title race. Jérémy Doku's stunning 97th-minute equaliser rescued a point for City, but the damage had already been done after Everton scored three times in a chaotic second half.
City dominated the first half and took the lead through Doku's curling effort, which left Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with no chance. However, the visitors were undone after the break as substitute Thierno Barry scored twice, either side of a Jake O'Brien header, to put Everton 3-1 ahead. A VAR review had earlier allowed Barry's first goal despite an offside flag, as Marc Guéhi had inadvertently played him in.
City responded, with Erling Haaland reducing the deficit immediately after Everton's third goal. Doku then produced another sublime finish deep into stoppage time to seal a draw. Everton manager David Moyes questioned the additional 30 seconds added on for an injury, saying he saw no need for it, while City were also fortunate not to concede a penalty when Bernardo Silva fouled Merlin Röhl in the box.
Guardiola acknowledged the positives of the late comeback but conceded his team had left themselves with too much to do. The result means Arsenal, who face a favourable run-in, need three wins from their remaining three matches to secure their first league title in 22 years. City's hopes of retaining the crown now rest on Arsenal slipping up.
