Dramatic Late Doku Equaliser Sees City Stumble in Six-Goal Clash Against Everton

Key Takeaways:

• Manchester City secured a 3-3 draw with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium following Jeremy Doku’s 97th-minute equaliser
• City now trail Arsenal by five points in the Premier League title race
• Thierno Barry scored twice for Everton, while Erling Haaland and Jake O’Brien also found the net

Match Overview

Manchester City’s aspirations in the Premier League title chase suffered a setback as they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Jeremy Doku scoring deep into injury time. As a result, City are now five points behind Arsenal, who regained the advantage in the race for the championship.

Five points between the top two

A night which saw the title race turn in favour of @Arsenal 🔴 pic.twitter.com/hYznrgE6On

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 4, 2026

First Half: City in Control, Everton Threaten

Excitement around Beto’s return to Everton’s starting XI was quickly subdued by Manchester City’s early dominance. The visitors saw Rayan Cherki test Jordan Pickford, with another chance falling to Antoine Semenyo, who rolled an effort across goal following a rebound.

Antoine Semenyo attempted to capitalise on City’s pressure but fired over in the 21st minute. Everton, yet to record a head-to-head victory over City in nine years, struggled to assert themselves until Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sparked hope for the hosts in the 25th minute; his counterattacking effort was deflected wide by Abdukodir Khusanov. Merlin Rohl then provided Beto with a promising opportunity inside the penalty area, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a decisive save to keep City level.

City responded with renewed intent and finally broke through three minutes shy of half-time. Rayan Cherki supplied Jeremy Doku, who rifled a curling effort past Pickford from the edge of the box to give the visitors the advantage.

Second Half: Everton’s Comeback and Late Drama

The second half began with City in control, but Everton had two golden opportunities through Iliman Ndiaye on swift counterattacks. On his first try, Donnarumma comfortably handled Ndiaye’s effort. Moments later, an unfortunate bounce put Ndiaye through on goal again, only for the Italian goalkeeper to foil him at close range.

Everton’s persistence paid off after Thierno Barry entered for Beto. Marc Guehi attempted to intercept a through ball but miscued his backpass, allowing Barry to steal in and finish calmly past Donnarumma for an unexpected equaliser.

Momentum swung as City’s composure wavered. Guehi partly redeemed himself by denying Ndiaye at the near post, but Everton completed the turnaround soon after. Jake O’Brien rose to meet James Garner’s inswinging corner and headed past Donnarumma, sending the home fans into raptures.

Iliman Ndiaye had the opportunity to put the outcome to bed in the 75th minute but could only find Donnarumma with his shot. Everton’s lead was extended when Rohl’s run down the right and cross-shot deflected to Barry, who made it 3-1 with a simple finish.

Manchester City responded instantly as Erling Haaland surged forward and lobbed Pickford to reduce the arrears. With City piling on the pressure in stoppage time, their efforts were rewarded as Doku found himself unmarked from a corner and drilled home the dramatic equaliser in the far-right corner of Pickford’s net.

Despite rescuing a point, the result leaves Manchester City’s title hopes in jeopardy, with Arsenal now firmly in control of their own destiny.

Statistical Highlights

Both sides traded periods of dominance in a contest packed with momentum shifts and critical saves from both goalkeepers. Everton’s long wait for a top-flight victory over Manchester City continues, but their spirited performance has reshaped the title landscape heading into the season’s final weeks.