Erling Haaland's missed penalty costs Manchester City vital points against Everton

In England, Manchester City faced Everton in a Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium on December 26, 2024. The game ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw for City, who have been struggling for form in recent weeks. City took the lead early in the match with Bernardo Silva scoring in the 14th minute from a deflected shot. However, Everton's Iliman Ndiaye equalized in the 36th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from City. The second half saw City awarded a penalty, providing Erling Haaland with an opportunity to put his team ahead. Unfortunately for City, Haaland's penalty was saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which ultimately contributed to their inability to secure a much-needed win. As the match progressed, City struggled to convert their chances into goals, with their poor form worsening as they have only won one of their last 13 matches. The persistent injuries to key players, such as Rodri and Ederson, have played a significant role in the team's disappointing performance. Following the draw, City remains sixth in the Premier League standings, trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points, and the mounting pressure on manager Pep Guardiola continues amidst growing frustration among the fans. Overall, this match exemplified the challenges faced by Manchester City as they seek to reclaim their form and avoid further dropped points.