“"You can practice penalties but there is no pressure there ”, Pep Guardiola – 15/10/2016.
Goals; Nolito (72'); Lukaku (64');
Line Up (3-2-4-1) (match ratings in brackets);
Bravo (6)
Otamendi (6.5)
Stones (6)
Clichy (5.5)
Sané (7), (Nolito (7.5) 71')
Fernandinho (6.5)
Sterling (7)
Gundogan (6.5), (Kompany (5.5) 90')
Iheanacho (6.5), (Aguero (5) 56')
De Bruyne (7.5)
Silva (7.5)
Stats;Possession, 72%/28%; Shots, 19(8)/3(2); Fouls, 7/9
Referee; Michael Oliver (7)
Line Up (3-2-4-1) (match ratings in brackets);
Bravo (6)
Otamendi (6.5)
Stones (6)
Clichy (5.5)
Sané (7), (Nolito (7.5) 71')
Fernandinho (6.5)
Sterling (7)
Gundogan (6.5), (Kompany (5.5) 90')
Iheanacho (6.5), (Aguero (5) 56')
De Bruyne (7.5)
Silva (7.5)
Stats;Possession, 72%/28%; Shots, 19(8)/3(2); Fouls, 7/9
Referee; Michael Oliver (7)
Everton escaped with a point after a breathtaking display of brinksmanship from the Toffee's. Their backs to the wall performance was best exemplified by keeper Stekelenburg, who saved two penalties (though off the line when taken), and deserves all the plaudits coming his way in saving what would have been a worldy from Kevin DeBruyne on 81'; when the Belgian cracked a right foot effort from 25 yards towards the top right hand corner, only to see Stekelenburg tip it onto the post and out.
There was lots to be positive about for City. A new formation from Pep, saw the welcome return of Kevin DeBruyne, and an excellent first start for new boy Leroy Sané, and it was these two players, together with David Silva who dominated the first half. But with Everton playing all but Romelu Lukaku behind the ball, it was hard work finding any workable space for City's attacking players in the final third. When City did get the ball into the area, the final ball just lacked that cutting edge, despite some fabulous build up play. On 43' it looked like City would finally find that breakthrough when David Silva was tripped by Jagielka in the box after shimmying past two other Everton defenders, DeBruyne stepped up for the penalty but Stekelenburg, off his line, saved to his left.
The second half started as the first had ended, with City pressing Everton back deep, but unable to find the telling pass. There was an air of typical City when, having had only one previous attempt on goal, Everton broke with Lukaku finding himself one on one with first Clichy, and then Bravo on 64', before slotting home. It was a poor goal to give away and there's no getting away from the mistake from Clichy, who had otherwise had a good game.
City came back strong again and the half chances kept on coming. Then on 69' City looked finally to have got some payback for their attacking play when a clumsy challenge from Jagielka, this time just inside the area on Aguero, brought City a second penalty. Unfortunately it was a carbon copy of the first with this time Aguero placing the ball at a comfortable height for Stekelenburg.
Heads were in hands at this point, but Pep didn't panic. Aguero had just gone close again, when Nolito was brought off the bench, to form an attacking two with Kun. One fabulous cross from the left by Silva later and City were level; as within a minute of coming on Nolito rose to head the ball firmly past the stubborn Everton keeper, 1-1. It could have been better with the aforementioned blaster from DeBruyne being the best of the chances, but it was not to be.
A great performance with one defensive lapse and a couple of penalty misses costing City dear. Onward to Barca in midweek, where you have to hope for a bit more luck! #CTID
@l0ngwayfr0mh0me
