Doku's Late Stunner Rescues Point for City but Title Race Tilts Toward Arsenal

Key facts

• Jeremy Doku scored twice, including a 97th-minute equaliser, to salvage a 3-3 draw for Manchester City at Everton.
• Everton scored three goals in 13 second-half minutes through Barry, O'Brien, and Barry again after City led 1-0.
• Erling Haaland scored for City and was heard saying 'we're still in it' after the match.
• City are six points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with two games in hand.
• Arsenal need three wins from their remaining fixtures (West Ham, Burnley, Crystal Palace) to claim their first title in 20 years.
• Thierry Henry expressed concern for City's upcoming match against West Ham on Sky Sports.

A Point That Feels Like a Loss

For 12 second-half minutes, Manchester City's Premier League title defence unravelled on Merseyside. Having taken the lead through Jeremy Doku's curling opener, Pep Guardiola's side conceded three goals in a frantic spell that left them trailing 3-1 with seven minutes of normal time remaining. Even after Erling Haaland pulled one back and Doku equalised deep into stoppage time, the damage to City's title hopes may be irreversible. City have not lost in the league since January, but the draw leaves them six points behind Arsenal with two games in hand. The Gunners, who have not won the league in two decades, now need three victories from their final three matches to secure the crown.

How the Chaos Unfolded

The match began with City in control. Doku opened the scoring with a fine strike into the top corner, and the visitors looked comfortable. But the second half descended into mayhem. In the 68th minute, Everton's Barry punished a defensive error from Guehi to equalise. Five minutes later, O'Brien headed the hosts ahead from a corner. Then, in the 81st minute, Barry capitalised on another City mistake to make it 3-1. City responded immediately: Haaland dinked home from close range within two minutes of Barry's second goal. The comeback was completed in the seventh minute of stoppage time, when Doku curled a stunning strike into the net. The 3-3 scoreline, however, felt like a defeat for Guardiola's side.

The Title Race Shifts

Arsenal now hold a definitive advantage. Mikel Arteta's side, who face a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, can clinch the title by winning their remaining league games: away to West Ham, then home to relegated Burnley and Crystal Palace. The trip to West Ham on Sunday is widely seen as the toughest test. Thierry Henry, the former Arsenal forward, said on Sky Sports: 'Manchester City dropped two points but you can't start to think that maybe [you can drop points]. There is no maybe. I am worried for the West Ham game, like I was worried for City [against Everton] today.'

Everton's Revival and European Ambitions

For Everton, the draw was a near-miss against one of the league's giants. David Moyes's side, revitalised in recent weeks, now have their eyes on a top-six finish. The result at Hill Dickinson was their biggest scalp of the season, even if victory slipped away in stoppage time. The performance underscored Everton's transformation under Moyes, who has instilled resilience and attacking verve. The Toffees' three-goal burst in 13 minutes showcased their ability to punish mistakes, a quality that could propel them into European contention.

What Lies Ahead

City's remaining fixtures include a trip to West Ham, followed by home games against Burnley and Crystal Palace. Guardiola's men must win all three and hope Arsenal slip up. The margin for error is gone. As the players left the pitch, Haaland was heard telling his team-mates, 'We're still in it,' while applauding the travelling fans. The sentiment reflects City's refusal to concede defeat, but the arithmetic is unforgiving. Arsenal, with their destiny in their own hands, are three wins from glory.

The bottom line

• Manchester City's 3-3 draw at Everton leaves them six points behind Arsenal with two games in hand.
• Jeremy Doku's 97th-minute equaliser salvaged a point but may not be enough to keep City in the title race.
• Everton's three goals in 13 second-half minutes exposed defensive frailties in Guardiola's side.
• Arsenal can win their first Premier League title in 20 years by winning their remaining three matches.
• Thierry Henry highlighted City's upcoming match at West Ham as a potential stumbling block.
• Everton's performance under David Moyes has revived hopes of a top-six finish and European football.