In what was an extremely entertaining morning of Premier League action, Manchester City and Everton somehow managed to play out a 0-0 draw at the Etihad.
The hosts were the most offensive between the two sides with 23 efforts on goal, of which seven were on target, though both teams had good chances to take the lead. City also had a a strong penalty appeal as well, but were not rewarded for all their attacking play. The draw means that both teams remain in the same position they were at the start of the day.
Third placed City failed to close the gap on Arsenal who also drew on the night, while Leicester City’s victory extended their lead over the Citizens.
Manchester City
Joe Hart – 5: Did not have much to do as his side had much of the possession, but stepped up when called upon.
Bacary Sagna – 6.5: Was strong in defence and when moving forward. Firmly stuck to his tasks.
Martin Demichelis – 4: Demichelis continues to be a weaklink in the City defence after another abysmal performance at the back. The Argentine could not get a hold of Romelu Lukaku.
Nicolas Otamendi – 7: Did very well in defence, considering his centre-back partner was dreadful. Was the reason Lukaku was kept relatively quiet in the game.
Gael Clichy – 5: Replaced Alexsandar Kolarov in the starting XI at left-back and often showed signs of struggling. Although he did look to improve as the game progressed.
Yaya Toure – 7: Continued his decent form of recent weeks with another efficient performance in the City midfield, both in attack and in defence.
Fernando – 6: The Brazilian did well to hold the City midfield, allowing more time and space for Toure to get into more attacking positions.
Kevin De Bruyne – 4: The Belgian has enjoyed better games since his arrival at the Etihad and was evidently poor here, especially with his passing. Was replaced by David Silva in the final 15 minutes.
Jesus Navas– 5: Struggling with his finishing for some time now and his form in front of goal continued as he got into good positions, but just lacked the confidence to finish.
Raheem Sterling – 6: Could have won a penalty after a challenge by John Stones, but was otherwise kept quiet by the young English defender. Did considerably better towards the end of the game.
Sergio Aguero – 6.5: Had a number of good chances and continued to get into good positions throughout the game. Tim Howard’s excellent stops prevented the Argentine from getting on the scoresheet.
Substitutes
David Silva – 7: Made a large difference and opened up the play in the final-third of the pitch.
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Everton
Tim Howard – 7.5: Made a number of top saves to keep his side in the game and will gladly take a much needed clean sheet.
John Stones – 6: Started at right-back in the absence of Seamus Coleman and was lucky not to give away a penalty after his challenge on Sterling. But was otherwise very reliant.
Phil Jagielka– 6: Did fairly well on his return to the side, but was often given a tough time by Aguero.
Ramiro Funes Mori – 7: Put his body on the line and was one of the best performers for Everton on the night.
Leighton Baines– 6.5: Typical performance from the English left-back, hardly putting a foot wrong in defence.
Muhamed Besic – 7: Protected the back four very well alongside Barry. Excellent passing across the midfield from the Bosnian.
Gareth Barry – 6: Such a reliable player and continued to put in a typical performance in the heart of the Toffees midfield.
Leon Osman – 6: Nearly scored with an outrageous effort that was not far away from beating Joe Hart. Did his job defensively as well.
Ross Barkley– 5: The Englishman was asked to provide more defensive cover than he is used to and he did a fair job at it.
Gerard Duelofeu –6.5: Was the most creative of all the Everton players and probably the only one who provided any real support to Lukaku. Was replaced by Arouna Kone with 20 minutes to go.
Romelu Lukaku – 6: Was left isolated on numerous occasions, but did his best to hold up play and gave Demichelis a torrid time.
Substitutes
Steven Pienaar – 5: Didn’t enjoy a lot of the ball since coming on to replace Osman and had to do quite a bit if defending.
Arouna Kone – 5: Replaced Duelofeu and had to put in a defence shift as well as City piled on the attack.
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