Jeremy Doku’s stoppage-time strike rescued a dramatic 3–3 draw for Manchester City at Everton, but a chaotic second-half collapse may have handed the Premier League title advantage back to Arsenal.
The Gunners now need just three wins from their remaining matches to end a 22-year wait for the English crown. City sit five points behind Mikel Arteta’s side with a game in hand, but the manner of this slip raises serious doubts about their ability to close the gap.
Pep Guardiola’s men looked in complete control for much of the contest and took a deserved lead just before half-time. Rayan Cherki picked out Doku, who curled a superb effort into the top corner beyond Jordan Pickford after a dominant opening period.
Everton, however, capitalised on a string of costly City errors after the break. Thierno Barry struck twice, either side of a powerful Jake O’Brien header, as the hosts turned the game on its head in stunning fashion.
City were architects of their own downfall. A series of defensive lapses invited pressure, and Everton took full advantage. Barry’s first came after a misplaced passback left him with a simple finish, while another sloppy moment allowed the Toffees to build momentum, culminating in O’Brien’s header from a corner.
Barry then added a third, finishing off a swift counter-attack as City’s defence unravelled.
Yet Guardiola’s side responded immediately. Straight from the restart, Mateo Kovačić threaded a pass through to Erling Haaland, who pulled one back to reignite hope.
Doku eventually delivered the equaliser deep into stoppage time, striking in the 96th minute to snatch a point that keeps City’s title hopes mathematically alive—if only just.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are firmly in control of their destiny. They face relegation-threatened West Ham next before hosting Burnley and travelling to Crystal Palace on the final day.
City had entered the match under increased pressure following Arsenal’s recent wins and a lengthy break from league action, with Guardiola rotating heavily during their FA Cup semi-final victory over Southampton.
They showed little sign of rust early on, pinning Everton back for long stretches. But their inability to maintain composure after the interval proved decisive.
While Doku’s late heroics denied Everton a famous victory—and dented their own European ambitions—the result could prove far more damaging for City, whose bid for a seventh title in nine years now hangs by a thread.
AFP
