Everton 3, Man City 3: Visitors Rally for Thrilling Draw to Preserve Title Hopes

If Arsenal clinches their first title in 22 years later this month, they will surely toast to Thierno Barry.

The French forward has been the butt of countless jokes since joining the Premier League with a £27 million transfer last summer.

Who could have anticipated he would emerge as an unlikely hero in this season’s title race?

Before last night, the 23-year-old had netted just six Premier League goals; however, his two second-half strikes may have ended Arsenal’s long wait for the championship.

If Barry was the star, there were several culprits as Manchester City crumbled during a remarkable 13-minute stretch.

It was indeed an unfortunate 13 for them, as they conceded three goals due to defensive errors.

And England defender Marc Guehi, who inadvertently assisted Barry’s equalizer with a misdirected backpass, found himself as the scapegoat.

When City acquired him back in January, expectations were high for his pivotal role in the title pursuit. Unfortunately, he did contribute — but not as intended.

Pep Guardiola’s side demonstrated they are not out of the race, salvaging a point in stoppage time thanks to Jeremy Doku’s late equalizer.

However, the momentum now clearly lies with Arsenal.

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Interestingly, it was David Moyes who first introduced Mikel Arteta to England during his initial term with the Toffees.

A bottle of champagne may soon find its way to him from the red side of North London.

Viewers of this thrilling six-goal spectacle likely required a strong drink by the end.

City hadn’t played in nine days and had just concluded a tight win at Turf Moor that resulted in Burnley’s relegation after their last Premier League encounter, spanning 12 days.

Nonetheless, they showed no signs of rust, even without their star midfielder Rodri due to injury.

In the opening exchanges, City controlled possession, yet their only real chance came from Rayan Cherki’s wayward shot soaring over the bar.

City had secured victories in their last eight matches at Everton, all at Goodison Park, and were eager for their first trip to Hill Dickinson.

Nico O’Reilly made a run down the left, only for his shot to be blocked by Michael Keane, while Cherki’s attempt was saved by Jordan Pickford.

The rebound fell perfectly for Antoine Semenyo, but his cross-shot frustratingly rolled across the goal without anyone in position to convert.

The January signing had another opportunity shortly after but blasted it over following an impressive run by Jeremy Doku on the left.

Still, the Toffees held their own and had a golden chance when Merlin Rohl broke free on the right and sent in a cross.

Donnarumma made a key touch to maneuver it away from Beto’s path, and when the striker finally managed a shot, Khusanov blocked it.

At the opposite end, Doku again outpaced his marker on the left, yet Cherki misfired once more.

City’s Belgian dynamo proved to be the main source of trouble for their title rivals, so it was no shock when he found the net just two minutes before half-time.

City built from deep in their own half, exhibiting patience while Everton set up defensively.

Eventually, Cherki passed to Doku, who took a touch before curling an exquisite left-footed strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.

The former Rennes winger also played a part during first-half stoppage time, being felled by a reckless challenge from Michael Keane.

Referee Michael Oliver issued a yellow card, with VAR confirming the decision; however, they might have supported a red card had it been initially cautioned on the field.

City headed into the break rightly ahead, and manager Guardiola emphasized the importance of securing wins over mere scorelines.

However, the early part of the second half saw them firmly on the back foot.

Iliman Ndiaye attempted a shot past Donnarumma, but the Italian goalkeeper made a vital save.

Moments later, Khusanov and Matheus Nunes struggled with a bouncing ball, allowing Ndiaye to break free.

It seemed it would be Everton’s chance, yet the keeper made another significant save.

Yet even he couldn’t prevent Guehi from gifting Barry the equalizer.

The French striker was initially offside, but the England defender’s actions allowed play to continue.

After a discussion among the officials, the goal was confirmed.

Guehi hurried back to chase Ndiaye as Everton aimed for a winner.

From the resultant corner taken by James Garner, Jake O’Brien leaped to head the ball into the net.

Amid incredible scenes, substitute Mateo Kovacic was overpowered by Rohl, and even though the German’s shot lacked conviction, it fell nicely for Barry to score.

It wasn’t over, as Erling Haaland — who had been rather quiet all evening — broke through to chip City back into the game.

Deep into stoppage time, Doku curled in a stunning shot from the edge of the area to secure a point.

Everton felt deflated, but Arsenal supporters were ecstatic.