Doku's Late Stunner Rescues Draw for Man City, But Arsenal Tightens Grip on Title Race

Key facts

• Jérémy Doku scored twice for Manchester City, including a 90+7-minute equaliser with his right foot.
• Erling Haaland put City ahead 3-2 in the 83rd minute after Everton had led 3-1.
• Everton's goals came from Barry (69', 81') and O'Brien (73'), with Barry scoring twice.
• The match ended 3-3 at Goodison Park, with City conceding a two-goal lead for the second time this season.
• Manchester City now trail Arsenal in the Premier League standings, needing Arsenal to slip up.
• Doku's first goal came in the 43rd minute, giving City a 1-0 halftime lead.

A Rollercoaster at Goodison Park

Jérémy Doku's stunning injury-time equaliser rescued a point for Manchester City, but the 3-3 draw at Everton has left the reigning champions trailing Arsenal in the Premier League title race. The Belgian winger, who had already opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, curled a right-footed shot into the top corner in the seventh minute of added time to cap a chaotic second half. City had led 1-0 at halftime, but Everton stormed back with three goals in a 12-minute span. Abdoulaye Doucouré's strike in the 69th minute, followed by goals from Dwight McNeil and James Tarkowski, put the hosts 3-1 ahead. Erling Haaland pulled one back in the 83rd minute before Doku's late heroics.

City's Defensive Frailties Exposed

Manchester City's inability to hold a lead has become a recurring theme. After taking the lead through Doku's first goal, they allowed Everton to equalise early in the second half and then conceded two more in quick succession. The defending champions have now dropped points from winning positions in multiple matches this season, a vulnerability that Arsenal has capitalised on. Pep Guardiola's side looked rattled after Everton's second goal, with defensive lapses allowing the hosts to take control. The equaliser from Doku masked deeper concerns about City's resilience, particularly away from home.

Everton's Fightback Falls Short

Everton, fighting for survival at the bottom of the table, produced a spirited performance that nearly yielded a famous victory. Goals from Doucouré, McNeil, and Tarkovsky had Goodison Park rocking, but Doku's late strike denied them all three points. The Toffees had previously lost a two-goal lead in added time against Bournemouth, and history repeated itself in cruel fashion. Manager Sean Dyche will take heart from his team's attacking display, but the defensive lapse that allowed Haaland to score and the failure to see out the game will be a source of frustration. Everton remain in the relegation zone, but this point could prove vital.

Title Race Dynamics Shift

The draw hands Arsenal control of the title race. With City dropping points, the Gunners now have a lead that could prove decisive if they win their remaining matches. Arsenal fans, as one correspondent wrote, were 'quite happy' with the result, though they might have preferred an Everton win. City now need Arsenal to slip up in one of their final games. The margin for error has evaporated, and Guardiola's side must win all their remaining fixtures while hoping for a favour. The psychological blow of failing to capitalise on Arsenal's earlier draw could linger.

What Comes Next

Manchester City face a must-win run-in, starting with their next league fixture. Every dropped point from here could be fatal to their title hopes. For Everton, the point keeps them in the fight for survival, but they must address their tendency to concede late goals. The title race remains alive, but the momentum has shifted. Arsenal, with the advantage, can focus on their own performances rather than scoreboard-watching. City, meanwhile, will reflect on a night of missed opportunities and defensive fragility.

The bottom line

• Jérémy Doku's double, including a 90+7-minute equaliser, salvaged a draw for Manchester City.
• Everton led 3-1 before Haaland and Doku struck, but the Toffees again conceded in added time.
• Manchester City now trail Arsenal in the title race, needing the Gunners to drop points.
• City's defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, raising questions about their ability to hold leads.
• Everton remain in the relegation zone but earned a valuable point against the champions.
• The title race is now in Arsenal's hands, with City requiring a perfect finish and a slip-up from their rivals.