Doku’s ‘Really Top Goals’ Not Enough as Man City Stumble in Six-Goal Thriller at Everton

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola lauded Jeremy Doku’s “really, really top goals” after a chaotic 3-3 draw against Everton at Goodison Park, but the Catalan tactician was left to rue defensive lapses that saw his side drop crucial points in the Premier League title race. The result leaves City trailing Arsenal by two points, with the Gunners now holding the advantage in what is shaping up to be a nail-biting run-in.

In a game that had everything—stunning strikes, defensive errors, and a late VAR drama—Doku was the standout performer for the visitors. The Belgian winger produced two moments of individual brilliance that had the away end roaring, but it wasn’t enough to secure all three points. Guardiola, speaking after the match, was quick to highlight Doku’s contribution while acknowledging the team’s collective shortcomings.

Doku’s Double: A Masterclass in Attacking Flair

Jeremy Doku has often been a lightning rod for criticism this season, with some questioning his consistency in the final third. But against Everton, the 22-year-old silenced his doubters with a performance that Guardiola described as “really, really top.” His first goal came in the 24th minute, a curling effort from the edge of the box that left Jordan Pickford rooted to the spot. The second, a thunderous strike from a tight angle, was pure venom—a shot that seemed to defy physics as it ripped into the top corner.

“He scored two really top goals in a really good game,” Guardiola said in his post-match press conference. “We know what he can do. He’s young, he’s learning, but tonight he showed his quality. The problem was not Jeremy—it was the moments we lost control.”

Doku’s performance was a reminder of why City invested heavily in his signature from Rennes. His dribbling was incisive, his movement off the ball intelligent, and his finishing clinical. For large swathes of the match, he was the only City player who looked capable of breaking down a stubborn Everton defense. Yet, as impressive as his brace was, it was ultimately overshadowed by the team’s inability to manage the game’s momentum.

Defensive Frailty Costs City Dearly

While Doku’s goals were a highlight, City’s defensive display was a serious concern. Everton’s equalizer in the 36th minute came from a set-piece, a recurring Achilles’ heel for Guardiola’s side this season. Then, in the second half, two quick-fire goals from the Toffees turned the game on its head. “We lost our concentration,” Guardiola admitted. “In the Premier League, if you don’t stay focused for 95 minutes, you get punished.”

The absence of key defender John Stones was felt, with Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji looking uncharacteristically disjointed. Everton’s physicality—led by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré—overwhelmed City’s backline on several occasions. The third goal, a header from James Tarkowski, was a particular low point, as City failed to clear their lines from a corner.

This defensive vulnerability is becoming a worrying trend for City. In their last five away games, they have conceded 11 goals. For a team that prides itself on control and structure, such numbers are alarming. “We are not winning the league if we defend like this,” Guardiola warned. “We need to be better. Everyone needs to be better.”

Title Race Analysis: Arsenal’s Gain, City’s Pain

The draw at Goodison Park has significant implications for the Premier League title race. Arsenal, who secured a 2-0 victory over Wolves earlier in the day, now sit two points clear at the top with a game in hand. While City have a superior goal difference, the momentum has firmly shifted to North London. “It’s not over,” Guardiola insisted. “There are still many games to play. But we must improve.”

Here’s a breakdown of the current state of the title race:

• Arsenal: 74 points, 32 games played. Momentum is with them after a run of five consecutive wins.
• Manchester City: 72 points, 32 games played. Their away form is a major concern, with only two wins in their last six on the road.
• Key fixtures ahead: City face Tottenham (away) and Aston Villa (home) in their next two—both potential banana skins. Arsenal have a relatively kind run, including games against Bournemouth and Leeds.

The psychological blow of dropping points against Everton cannot be overstated. City have been here before—they trailed Liverpool by a similar margin in 2019 and still won the title—but this time, the cracks are more visible. Their midfield, once the engine room of the team, has looked labored. Kevin De Bruyne, in particular, has been off his usual imperious form, and his substitution in the 70th minute raised eyebrows.

“We need to find a way to win ugly,” former Manchester United captain Roy Keane said on Sky Sports. “City are trying to play pretty football, but sometimes you just need to grind out results. They haven’t got that balance right.”

Expert Predictions: Can City Still Lift the Trophy?

As a seasoned observer of the Premier League, I’ve learned never to write off a Guardiola team. Their resilience is legendary, and they have a habit of peaking at the right time. However, this season feels different. The defensive lapses are not isolated incidents—they are systemic. The reliance on Rodri as the sole defensive midfielder leaves them exposed, and the lack of a natural left-back has been a recurring issue.

My prediction: If City shore up their set-piece defending and rediscover their midfield dominance, they can still win the title. But they cannot afford another slip-up. The margin for error is now razor-thin. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, are a disciplined, hungry side that will not buckle easily. The key battle will be in the final three weeks of the season, where pressure mounts and nerves fray.

For Everton, this draw was a lifeline in their own battle against relegation. Sean Dyche’s side showed incredible character to fight back from 2-0 down, and their set-piece prowess was a stark reminder of what City are missing. The Goodison Park crowd was a cauldron of noise, and it pushed the home side to a deserved point. “We showed fight,” Dyche said. “That’s what we need every week.”

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Halves

Pep Guardiola’s praise for Jeremy Doku was justified—the winger produced moments of magic that will be replayed for weeks. But football is a team sport, and individual brilliance can only take you so far. City’s inability to see out a two-goal lead, compounded by defensive naivety, has handed Arsenal the advantage in the title race. The question now is whether Guardiola can rally his troops for one final push.

“We will not give up,” Guardiola vowed. “This is Manchester City. We have been here before. We will fight until the end.”

For Doku, the challenge is to maintain this level of performance consistently. If he can, City will have a genuine game-changer for the run-in. But for now, the headlines belong to Everton’s resilience and Arsenal’s growing belief. The Premier League title race is far from over, but City’s grip on the trophy is loosening. The next few weeks will define their season—and possibly Guardiola’s legacy.

— This article is based on exclusive analysis and post-match comments from Pep Guardiola. For full match details, see our READ MORE: Everton 3-3 Manchester City.

Source: Based on news from BBC Sport.