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| Nolito Vs Lukaku |
Manchester City missed two penalties but still came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Everton and stay top of the Premier League on Saturday, thanks to that crucial goal from substitute Nolito.
Pep Guardiola, perhaps with a trip to face his former club Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday in mind, opted not to start Sergio Aguero after his exertions with Argentina during the international break.
The man city boss also set up his team with three at the back and while those selection gambles could not be said to have backfired – City dominated possession and controlled proceedings for much of the game – they were at risk of suffering a second successive league defeat when Romelu Lukaku put Everton ahead against the run of play at Etihad Stadium, either side of missed spot-kicks from Kevin De Bruyne and Aguero in the first and second half respectively.
Fortunately for Guardiola, Nolito came off the bench to head home the equaliser on his 30th birthday and salvage a point for the league leaders, ruining the exploits of Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who saved both penalties during an inspired performance to spare the blushes of hapless team-mate Phil Jagielka, at fault for both spot-kicks.
After Guardiola’s reunion with Barca at Camp Nou, City’s assault on the Premier League title will resume at home to Southampton, while Everton are next in action away to Burnley.