Three Key Takeaways: Citizens Miss Opportunities in 1-1 Draw vs Everton

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

In their first match back following a recent international break, Manchester City drew 1-1 at the Etihad Stadium against visiting Everton F.C.

Pep Guardiola‘s side were looking to get back on the winning trail after a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham before the international break. Everton sitting fifth prior to kickoff were having a nice start to the season under new boss Ronald Koeman.

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Guardiola had the benefit of having Kevin De Bruyne back in the starting line-up after returning to training earlier this week. Vincent Kompany also returned to the team but was on the bench at kickoff. Sergio Aguero started the match on the bench, while Kelechi Iheanacho started at forward.

Guardiola decided to feature a new formation than in previous weeks going with a 3-4-3 set-up. Gael Clichy, John Stones, and Nicolas Otamendi started in the back three.

Both sides tried to force offensive chances throughout the opening half, with Manchester City having the bulk of possession. De Bruyne had a good chance to put the hosts up before halftime, but had his 43rd minute penalty kick saved by Toffees keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. David Silva was tripped inside the box by Phil Jagielka to earn City the PK chance.

Everton took a 1-0 lead after 64 minutes when Romelu Lukaku slotted home following a counter-attack. It was the Belgian’s sixth league goal of the campaign.

Sergio Aguero, who came on as a second-half sub, also had his 70th minute penalty kick opportunity saved by Stekelenburg which kept City down 1-0. Two minutes later, Nolito equalized for City after he headed home a David Silva cross into the bottom left corner.

However, the hosts were not able to pull out a late winner and had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home. It wasn’t Manchester City’s best performance but good enough to come from behind and earn a crucial point.

Manchester City led in possession 73%-27% while having eight shots on target. Maarten Stekelenburg was huge in-goal making seven saves for Everton including the two penalty kick saves. Claudio Bravo made one save for the hosts.

According to BBC Sport, Pep Guardiola felt sad for the players after the match. “We did absolutely everything. Everton created just one chance which was a goal. I’m a little bit sad and disappointed for the players. But it’s a big compliment to Everton and Ronald Koeman so I say to them ‘well done’.”

Following watching the match, here are my three key takeaways!

1.) Manchester City defensively need to better with the ball.
On Everton’s goal, Manchester City’s defenders were hung out to dry. John Stones was beaten to the ball by Yannick Bolasie who was able to nick the ball to Lukaku. The Belgian was able to beat Gael Clichy and score the opening goal. A lot of players are still learning Guardiola’s style of play and I understand that. But defensively, the Citizens need to be better especially with Barcelona coming midweek.

2.) Saturday showed that offensively City need to be more clinical.
City forced a lot of chances and easily could have won by two or three goals. Stekelenburg was stellar in net and easily earned Everton a tough point on the road. Not every team will be able to score on every opportunity, it’s just common sense. But I feel that Manchester City need to be more dominant with the amount of talent they have at their disposal. To become a European power and a Championship-winning threat in the EPL, Manchester City need to make the most of their opportunities, no matter who they are playing.

3.) Returning players is a good sign for MCFC’s depth.
The return of Kevin De Bruyne of Vincent Kompany is a good sign. De Bruyne was able to get some match fitness, while Kompany was on the bench. This is huge for the team with Champions League fixtures, EPL Cup fixtures, and EPL fixtures. The more players to choose from, the more different line-ups Guardiola can consider using in different competitions. Pep can start giving youth players some playing time in cup competitions too.

Next: Manchester City: Everton draw shows Pep's team still a work in progress

Manchester City will rest and return to action this week. Quickly approaching on Wednesday is their third group-stage match in the UCL at the Camp Nou against Barcelona.