Manchester City missed a chance to keep up at the top of the Premier League after a 0-0 draw at home to Everton.
Manchester City, hoping to keep up with Leicester City and Arsenal at the top of the table, hosted a dangerous Everton team in the Premier League on Wednesday. After a break from Premier League football over the weekend due to the FA Cup 3rd round, it was nice to see two top quality face up to each other in this ding-dong battle of a game, even if it did lack the goals.
In the first half, Everton were certainly the better team. Manchester City were unable to get the ball into the feet of their start striker Sergio Aguero, while Everton spread the ball around well, with Leon Osman, a surprise inclusion from Roberto Martinez, particularly impressing. The Merseyside club more than matched City, and why wouldn’t they, after they beat the Sky Blues only last week in the first leg of the league cup 2-1.
Yaya Toure earlier had a header excellently saved from Tim Howard, but the US goal keeper was able to spring to his left and turn the ball round the post. At the half, both sides went in at 0-0, but the game certainly felt better than a typical bore draw.
The second half saw Manchester City begin to exert their superior quality. Yaya Toure began to dominate the middle of the park and Sergio Aguero started to get on the ball more. Howard made multiple saves in the second period but refused to be beaten. It ultimately ended 0-0, with Tim Howard deservedly taking all the plaudits.
Highlights
Next Week
Everton will again be on the road as they travel to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester City will look to rebound, hosting Crystal Palace, also on Saturday afternoon.