Jeremy Doku came to Manchester City’s rescue, but the Premier League title race delivered yet another twist as Pep Guardiola’s side drew 3-3 with Everton.
Doku struck with nearly the last touch of an absorbing match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton had looked set to pull off an impressive comeback.
City controlled the opening half, although Gianluigi Donnarumma was required to push away a dangerous delivery from the lively Merlin Rohl.
Their dominance paid off in the 43rd minute when Doku curled in an exquisite finish from the edge of the area.
However, during a frantic 13-minute period after the break, Everton raced ahead.
Iliman Ndiaye missed a clear opportunity, but soon after, substitute Thierno Barry took advantage of a terrible mistake by Marc Guehi to level the score.
Jake O’Brien then headed Everton in front, and the Toffees extended their lead when Barry calmly converted after Rohl’s mishit effort.
Still, Everton’s poor defending allowed Erling Haaland to pull one back straight after the restart, paving the way for Doku to curl home a late equaliser. The Toffees, though, were angered after not being given a penalty earlier when Bernardo Silva grabbed Rohl during a corner.
Data Debrief: Late show keeps City alive
This outcome still benefits Arsenal, who sit five points clear at the summit. Although City have a game in hand, they must remain flawless and hope Arsenal falter to claim the title.
Doku’s equaliser (96:49) was City’s third-latest Premier League goal on record (since 2006-07), following John Stones’ effort against Arsenal in September 2024 (97:14) and Gabriel Jesus’ strike against Everton in February 2019 (96:52).
City managed to avoid defeat in a Premier League match despite trailing by two or more goals as late as the 82nd minute for the first time since March 2012 versus Sunderland (3-3).
However, since the start of the year, City have dropped the joint-highest number of points from winning positions in the league (12), alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Doku and Barry ultimately stood out.
Barry became only the third substitute to score twice against Guardiola’s City in the Premier League, after Anthony Martial (October 2022) and Samuel Chukwueze (December 2025). Meanwhile, Doku has contributed to six goals in his last five appearances across all competitions—matching his total from the previous 22 matches.
