Haaland saved a penalty in a boring draw

Manchester City failed to win again as the Premier League champions were at home to Everton.

Erling Haaland had a chance to give Pep Guardiola’s side the win they needed, but his second-half penalty was saved by England first-team player Jordan Pickford.

City took the lead when Bernardo Silva saw a shot deflected across the goal and past Pickford.

But Iliman Ndiaye brought Everton back on level terms with a brilliant shot across the goal with the outside of his boot.

Jordan Pickford before saving Erling Haaland’s penalty… 🤪#MCIEVE pic.twitter.com/RhlDwCgTmZ

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 26, 2024

City were awarded a penalty in the second half when Savinha tripped Vitalii Mykolenko, but Haaland’s tame effort was well saved by Pickford.

City have now won once in their last 13 games in all competitions and are sixth in the table.

They have dropped 26 points in the league – already more than they did all of last season – and would need to win all their remaining games to equal last season’s haul of 28 league wins.

Everton at it again

It was another well-deserved result for Sean Dyche’s side after goalless draws against Arsenal and Chelsea in their previous two away games.

After Silva’s strange opener, Everton were undeterred and, after several half-chances, served a warning when Orel Mangala fired straight after Ndiaye’s break. Idrissa Gueye also shot Stefan Ortega from a distance.

When Manuel Akanji missed the chance to clear Abdoulaye Doucoure’s cross, Ndiaye was left in space to take the shot and hit a half-volley into the roof of the net.

City appeared to be re-energized after the break and Savinho was denied by Pickford’s legs before Mateo Kovacic headed wide.

They then got a golden chance to retake the lead when Vitalii Mykolenko teed up Savinha with a late challenge inside the area.

Everton captain Seamus Coleman, who started for the first time since August, was booked for delaying Haaland as he lined up to take the penalty.

Perhaps he feels his antics paid off as Haaland’s spot-kick was mishandled and Pickford saved to his right.