Manchester City may have rescued a dramatic 3-3 draw against Everton, but a chaotic 13-minute collapse could ultimately define their season — and possibly hand the title to Arsenal.
City were in control after taking the lead through Jeremy Doku, only to unravel spectacularly as Everton struck three times in quick succession, exposing defensive frailties that have crept into their game at the worst possible moment.
Although Erling Haaland pulled one back and Doku delivered a stunning stoppage-time equaliser, the damage may already have been done, with City dropping crucial points in a title race where margins are razor-thin.
Manager Pep Guardiola admitted the reality — the title is no longer in their hands, and they must now rely on Arsenal slipping up while winning all their remaining matches.
Arsenal, meanwhile, know exactly what they need: three wins from their final three games will secure their first league title since 2004, regardless of what City do.
The concern for City is not just the dropped points, but the manner of it. Defensive lapses, conceding from set-pieces, and a growing trend of losing leads have all become recurring issues during a crucial phase of the campaign.
Despite the late fightback, the draw felt more like a setback than a success. As history has shown, moments like these can define title races — sometimes a single goal, or even a single defensive error, can decide everything.
City showed resilience, but also vulnerability. And in a race this tight, that combination might not be enough.
