Man City horror run continues as Erling Haaland rubs salt in wounds against Everton

Erling Haaland's missed penalty added to Manchester City's woes as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Boxing Day.

The struggling champions managed to avoid a 10th defeat in 13 games in all competitions, but their troubles were far from over as they were held back by a resilient Everton side.

Haaland had the chance to secure a Premier League victory for City, but his second-half penalty was saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Bernardo Silva gave City an early lead, but Iliman Ndiaye equalized before half-time.

The result marks another commendable performance for Sean Dyche's Everton, following draws against Arsenal and Chelsea. However, for City manager Pep Guardiola the questions persist, with injuries playing a significant role.

With Rodri, Ederson, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker all out of action, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan remained the senior figures on a youth bench.

Despite controlling much of the early play, City struggled to find the net, with Josko Gvardiol hitting the post after just three minutes. Savinho showed promise but lacked the finishing touch needed to score.

The home side's relentless pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Silva scored a deflected opening goal, sliding in to connect with Jeremy Doku's through ball. Despite the tight angle, Silva's firm shot ricocheted off Jarrad Branthwaite and looped over Pickford.

Everton are undeterred and after a few half-chances, Orel Mangala shoots just past a Ndiaye layoff. Idrissa Gueye also shot Stefan Ortega from long range.

City almost doubled their lead when Phil Foden set up Silva with a superb pass, but his attempt to curl a spectacular shot into the top corner missed the target. City's frustration deepened further when Everton equalized after another quick counter-attack in the 36th minute.

Manuel Akanji failed to clear Abdoulaye Doucouré's cross, leaving Ndiaye unmarked to smash a half-volley into the roof of the net. City looked rejuvenated after the break, with Savinho pushed back by Pickford's feet before Mateo Kovacic drilled wide.

They then had a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Vitalii Mykolenko fouled Savinho inside the area. Everton captain Seamus Coleman, making his first start since August, was shown a yellow card for delaying Haaland as he prepared to take the penalty.

His antics may have paid off as Haaland's weak penalty was saved by Pickford.

Gvardiol was quick on the rebound, heading towards goal for Haaland to nod home, but the flag was raised for offside against the Norwegian. City's frustration began to mount as several moves collapsed and the crowd's anxiety levels increased.

Everton almost caught them off guard when Doucoure volleyed wide and Mangala saw a shot deflected across goal. De Bruyne was brought on from the bench in an attempt to reinvigorate the attack, but this proved unsuccessful as Everton defended tenaciously.

The visitors could even have achieved victory if Jack Harrison had shown more determination in stoppage time.