Everton’s final away game of 2024 took them to the Etihad, where they faced a struggling Manchester City, who were reeling from a poor run of form, having lost nine of their last 12 matches across all competitions. The Toffees were without Ashley Young, suspended for accumulating five yellow cards, while Seamus Coleman stepped in at right-back. Dwight McNeil also missed out due to a knee injury, leaving him sidelined for a third consecutive game. Broja returned to the squad, joining Chermiti and Beto on the bench, while Sean Dyche continued to rely on the misfiring trio of Doucoure, Harrison, and Calvert-Lewin — Everton’s centre-forward has gone more than three months without a goal.
The game began with City dominating possession, and it didn’t take long for them to create a chance. Gueye started the move, and after Coleman conceded a corner, City worked it short. Gvardiol then sent a powerful header towards goal, but it struck the post and was cleared by Everton. Calvert-Lewin managed to break away briefly, sprinting to the corner flag. City continued their pressure, with a dangerous cross from Savinho that Haaland couldn’t quite reach. The Brazilian winger soon had another opportunity, firing a low shot at goal, but Pickford was there to save.
In a moment of drama, Mykolenko was caught out by Savinho again, who weaved past him and was fouled just outside the penalty area by the Ukrainian defender. The referee awarded a penalty, but Pickford produced an incredible save, diving low to his right to deny Haaland. The Norwegian striker’s follow-up was ruled offside, keeping the score level and sparking wild celebrations from Everton’s defense.
Despite the reprieve, City kept pushing. Mykolenko was once again troubled by Savinho, who had a hand in forcing another corner, but Everton’s defense stood strong. Kovacic had a shot blocked, and though the Toffees tried to counter, a slow retreat from Calvert-Lewin saw him flagged offside when he was about to receive a pass. When Calvert-Lewin did get a ball down the right wing, Ake was quick to intercept and cleared it back to Ortega.
As the match wore on, City kept piling on the pressure, with Foden’s attempt to set up Haaland blocked by the Everton defense. There were brief moments of respite for the visitors, with Harrison crossing for Doucoure, but the Frenchman’s ball was deflected behind for a corner. Unfortunately, Ndiaye’s delivery was a disaster, sailing well over everyone and out of play. Silva sent in a dangerous cross for City, but Tarkowski was in the right place to deal with it, even as Gvardiol clattered into him. Managla tried his luck with a fierce shot, but it ricocheted off Akanji and wide of goal.
Harrison’s corner found Branthwaite, but the young defender could only direct his header straight into Ortega’s hands. As the match reached its final stages, a long-range shot from City’s Lewis flew well over the bar. Everton tried to break forward, but Gueye hesitated, allowing the ball to bounce off him and out for a goal kick. In the dying moments, Broja led a counter-attack with a four-on-two opportunity, but Harrison made a poor decision and squandered the chance.
Manchester City: Ortega Moreno, Lewis, Akanji, Ake, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo, Savinho, Foden [Y90+4′], Doku (75′ De Bruyne), Haaland.
Subs: Carson, Brits, Gundogan, Simpson-Pusey, Mubama, Alleyne, O’Reilly, McAteze.
Everton: Pickford, Mykolenko [Y:42′], Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Coleman [Y:52′], Ndiaye, Mangala, Doucouré, Gueye, Harrison, Calvert-Lewin (70′ Broja).
Subs: Virginia, Patterson, Keane, Beto, O’Brien, Chermiti, Lindstrøm (81′), Armstrong.
Referee: Simon Hooper
VAR: Alex Chilowicz
