Doku's Last-Gasp Equaliser Denies City as Arsenal Seize Title Initiative

Key facts

• Jérémy Doku scored a 97th-minute equaliser for Manchester City at Everton.
• The match ended 3-3 after Everton led 3-1 with nine minutes remaining.
• Erling Haaland scored in the 83rd minute to make it 3-2 before Doku's equaliser.
• Everton's goals came from Barry (69', 81') and O'Brien (73').
• Doku also scored City's first goal in the 43rd minute.
• City now trail Arsenal in the title race, needing Arsenal to slip up.
• Everton lost a two-goal lead and conceded in added time again.

A Night of High Drama at Goodison Park

The Manchester City team bus heading down the M62 back to Manchester carried a cargo of regret and disappointment. Jérémy Doku's stunning injury-time equaliser had salvaged a 3-3 draw at Everton, but the result handed control of the Premier League title race to Arsenal. What began as a routine evening for City turned into a chaotic second half that left the champions reeling. Doku had opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a curling left-footed strike, giving City a 1-0 lead at halftime. But the second half would unravel in spectacular fashion.

Everton's Stunning Comeback

Everton emerged from the interval transformed. Barry levelled in the 69th minute, and O'Brien put the hosts ahead in the 73rd. Barry struck again in the 81st minute, making it 3-1 and leaving City staring at defeat. City responded through Erling Haaland, who pulled one back in the 83rd minute. But even then, the visitors seemed destined for a rare loss. Then, in the seventh minute of added time, Doku produced a second curler — this time with his right foot — to rescue a point.

Title Race Shifts to North London

The draw means City no longer control their own destiny in the title race. Arsenal, who were not in action on this night, will be pleased with the outcome. As one Arsenal fan wrote in, 'I'm quite happy.' City now need Arsenal to slip up in their remaining matches. The initiative has passed to Mikel Arteta's side, who can take full advantage of this stumble.

Everton's Mixed Emotions

For Everton, the result brought a familiar frustration: they lost a two-goal lead and conceded in added time once again. The Toffees had battled back from a goal down to lead 3-1, only to see victory snatched away. Yet the point may prove valuable in their own fight for survival. The draw keeps them in contention, though the manner of it will sting.

What Comes Next

City must regroup quickly. Their focus now turns to their remaining fixtures, where nothing less than a perfect run will suffice if Arsenal hold their nerve. The title race, which seemed City's to lose, has taken another twist. As one observer noted, 'You wouldn't bet against a couple more twists and turns.' The Premier League season continues to deliver drama at every turn.

The bottom line

• Jérémy Doku scored twice, including a 97th-minute equaliser, but City could only draw 3-3 at Everton.
• Everton led 3-1 with nine minutes remaining before Haaland and Doku struck.
• The result hands control of the title race to Arsenal, who now lead City.
• City must win all remaining matches and hope Arsenal drop points to retain the title.
• Everton lost a two-goal lead and conceded in added time for the second consecutive match.
• The draw leaves Everton still in the relegation battle, with mixed emotions from the point.