Everton 3, Man City 3: Visitors Stage Dramatic Comeback to Keep Title Dreams Alive in Exciting Match

Should Arsenal secure their first title in 22 years later this month, they will undoubtedly raise a glass to Thierno Barry.

The French forward has been the subject of countless jokes since his £27 million move to the Premier League last summer.

Who could have predicted he would turn out to be an unexpected hero in this season’s title race?

The 23-year-old had scored just six Premier League goals prior to last night – yet his two goals in the second half have potentially ended Arsenal’s long wait for the title.

If Barry was the hero, there were several villains as Manchester City collapsed during a remarkable 13-minute period.

It was quite the unlucky 13 for them. They let in three goals, all due to defensive lapses.

And England defender Marc Guehi, who inadvertently assisted Barry’s equalizer with a misplaced backpass, became the scapegoat.

When City brought him in back in January, expectations were high for him to play a key role in the title chase. Unfortunately, he did – but not in the way they hoped.

Pep Guardiola’s team showed they’re not out of the race just yet, managing to recover a point in stoppage time thanks to Jeremy Doku’s late equalizer.

However, the advantage sits firmly with Arsenal now.

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Interestingly, it was David Moyes who initially brought Mikel Arteta to England during his first stint with the Toffees.

A bottle of champagne may soon be en route to him from the red half of North London.

Everyone watching this exhilarating six-goal affair likely needed a stiff drink by the end.

City hadn’t played in nine days and had just concluded a narrow victory at Turf Moor that saw Burnley relegated after their last Premier League match, a span of 12 days.

Nonetheless, they exhibited no signs of rust, despite the absence of their star midfielder Rodri due to injury.

In the early exchanges, City dominated possession, although their sole genuine chance came when Rayan Cherki’s speculative shot sailed over the bar.

City had won their last eight outings at Everton, all at Goodison Park, and were eager for their first visit to the Hill Dickinson.

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

The rebound landed perfectly for Antoine Semenyo, but his cross-shot rolled frustratingly across the goal with no one in position to finish.

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

Still, the Toffees remained competitive and had a golden chance when Merlin Rohl broke free on the right and sent a cross into the box.

Donnarumma made a pivotal touch to steer it clear of Beto’s path, and when the striker finally managed to get his shot away, Khusanov blocked it.

At the other end, Doku once again beat his marker on the left, but Cherki misfired once more.

City’s Belgian dynamo caused the most trouble for the title challengers, so it was no surprise when he found the net just two minutes before half-time.

City built from deep in their own half, showing patience as Everton compactly set up defensively.

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

The former Rennes winger was also involved during first-half stoppage time, getting cleaned out by a reckless challenge from Michael Keane.

Referee Michael Oliver issued a yellow card, with VAR agreeing; however, they might have upheld a red had it been called on the field.

City headed into the break rightfully ahead, and manager Guardiola emphasized the importance of gaining victories over scorelines.

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

Iliman Ndiaye attempted a shot around Donnarumma, but the Italian goalkeeper made a crucial save.

Moments later, Khusanov and Matheus Nunes failed to handle a bouncing ball, allowing Ndiaye to break loose.

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

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

The French striker was initially in an offside position, but the England defender controlled his actions.

After a chat among the officials, the goal was validated.

Guehi dashed back to make a last-ditch tackle on Ndiaye as Everton sought a winner.

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

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

It wasn’t over, as Erling Haaland – who had been relatively quiet all evening – broke through to chip his team back into the match.

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 fans were overjoyed.