Maarten Stekelenburg saves Kevin de Bruyne PK (Video)

Manchester City have dominated Everton for most of the first half, but Kevin de Bruyne missed a penalty to give them the lead.

Manchester City have had around 70 percent possession in the first half against Everton, but they’ve struggled to create any clearcut chances. However, as the half was drawing to a close center-back Phil Jagielka tripped David Silva in the box.

Referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot, and Kevin de Bruyne stepped up to take the penalty. It was not a great penalty by de Bruyne, and Maarten Stekelenburg made the save high to his left.

The half ended scoreless, despite near-total dominance from City, who are trying to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to Tottenham two weeks ago. The performance has been impressive, as have Pep Guardiola’s tactics. Only three defenders were named in the starting lineup, but City appear at times to be playing with only two, as Gael Clich joins the midfield, and Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane operate as more traditional wingers. A win will ensure City keep their place at the top of the league, one point ahead of Tottenham.

Everton have struggled to cope with City’s passing and movement, but have defended extremely well. The question is whether they can keep that up in the second half. The longer the game wears on, the more tired they’ll get. But they’ll certainly take confidence from Stekelenburg’s save.

The Toffees are looking to put an end to a run of two games without defeat, after losing to Bournemouth and drawing with Crystal Palace before the international break. It seems unlikely they’ll be able to get a goal against City — they barely got out of their own half in the first 45 minutes — but a 0-0 draw would go down as an excellent result for Ronald Koeman’s side.

If it does end that way, they’ll have their keeper to thank.